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| THE
7
HNTOMOLOGIST
An Illustrated Journal
OF
GENERAL ENTOMOLOGY.
EDITED BY RICHARD SOUTH, F.E.S.
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF
ROBERT ADKIN, F.E.S. W. F. KIRBY, F.L.S., F.H.S.
W. LUCAS DISTANT, F.E.S., &c. G. W. KIRKALDY, F.E.S.
EDWARD A. FITCH, F.L.S., F.E.S. | W. J. LUCAS, B.A., F.E.S.
F. W. FROHAWKE, F.E.S. | Dr. D. SHARP, F.R.S., F.E.S., &c.
MARTIN JACOBY, F.E.S. | G. H. VERRALL, F.E.S.
‘“By mutual confidence and mutual aid
Great deeds are done and great discoveries made.”’
VOLUME THE THIRTY-SIXTH.
LONDON:
WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, HATTON GARDEN
SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & CO., LimiTep.
1903.
d 2
q
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
Apxin, Ropgrt, F.E.S., 99, 274
ANDERSON, JAMES, 24
ANDERSON, JosEPH, 292
PAREUES diets lew Oe LOD) S17
Baker, Cuas., 292
Barker, H., F.E.S., 294
Barravup, Purip I., F.H.S., 18, 20, 51,
53, 72, 220, 293
Bats, Miss M. A., 106
Barrerspy, Mrs. Frances J., 189, 268
Bartiey, A. U., 249
Bearrie, WiiuraM, 266
Brtramy, F. G., 243
BienEtL, G. C., F.E.S., 138
Bircu, F., 326
Birp, J. F., 136, 188, 241, 242
Buarr, G., 220
Buanp, F. D., 269
BLENKARN, STANLEY A., 317
Brown, Henry H., 219
Browne, C. Srymour, 254, 284, 307
Browne, G. B., 101, 219
Brunetti, K., 194
Burkitt, Haroup J., 22
Bouriter, W. E., F.E.S., 138
Cameron, PETER, 9, 95, 120, 158, 233,
260, 278
CAMPBELL-TaAynor, J. E., 269
Campion, F. W., 50
Campion, HEerBert, 50
Carr, F. M. B., 24, 25, 52, 175, 246
Carter, Wm. A., 70
CHarman, T. A., M.D., F.Z.S., F.E.S.,
36, 89, 170, 171, 252
Curisty, W. M., M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S.,
janes 18)
Cuarke, A. H., F.E.S., 188
Cruarke, Hersert H., 191, 291, 293
Cuaxton, Rev. W., 25, 219
Cockayne, E. A., 201, 288
CockrRELL, Prof. T. D. A., 45, 49, 100,
112, 173, 177, 206, 261
ConrHrup, C. W., 70, 173
Corsin, G. B., 272
Court, Tuos. H., 73
Cox, G. Lissant, 14
CrasTreEE, B. H., F.E.S., 18
CrewE, Huco Harpur, 289, 293, 317
Curtis, W. Parkinson, 68
Dannatt, W., F.E.S., 242
Daws, WiLu1AmM, 276
Distant, W. L., F.E.S., 1
Dosson, H. T., F.E.S., 258
Dopp Howe Li:
Doveuass, JAmzEs, 13, 21
Epetsten, H. M., F.E.S., 50
Epwarpbs, Stranuny, F.E.S., 317
Epwarps, WinuuiAmM H., 266
Finzi, J. A., F.H.S., 138
Forp, A., 242
Frere, Percy E., F.E.S., 86, 108
Fronawr, F. W., M.B.O.U., F.E.S., 2,
33, 57, 191, 291, 300
Fryer, H. F., 320
Fryer, J. C. F., 320
GILLESPIE, Norman L., 140
Goupine, A. J., 72
Goopwin, Epwiy, 288
Goss, Herpert, F.L.S., F.E.S., 54
AHAINswortH, Sam., 193
Hansen, Dr. H. J., 42, 64, 93
Heatu, EH. A., M.D., F.L.S., 98, 273
Hoper, Haronp, 317
Houpaway, Aurrep E., 292
Hommes, Mrs. C., 268
Jackson, F. W. Y., 292
Jacopy, Martin, F.E.S., 62, 91, 169,
182, 189, 209
JEFFERYS, T. B., 188
Kaye, W. J., F.E.S., 17
Kemp, Stantey W., F.E.S., 34, 49
Kinesman, F., 293
Kirsy, W. F., F.L.S., F.E.S., 18, 228
Kirxanpy, G. W., F.E.S., 42, 44, 64,
7), GB IBS are sey areas). Calay
224, 230, 262, 286, 310
Knaaes, H. G., M.D., 217, 298
Latuy, Percy I., F.Z.S., F.E.S., 12,
106, 203
Lawrance, A. J., 193, 243, 248, 268
Linewoop, Henry, 18
Lirrnter, Frank M., 172, 218
Lucas, W. J., B.A., F.H.S., 35, 71, 200,
292
Maucom, Jas. A., 143
MarHew, GervASEF., R.N.,F.L.S.,F.E.S.
100, 136, 137, 138, 142, 192, 268, 317
McArtHour, H., 292 .
Mexpotza, Prof. R., F.R.S., F.E.S., 17
Merzmain, M., 137
Morsr-Roprnson, Lestte H., 19, 139, 293
Moss, Rev. A. Mines, 189
Nasu, Canon, 269
Nasu, Rey. A., 243
Nix, Joun A., 291
Nurse, Major C. G., F.E.S., 10, 40
OxupakER, F. A., M.A., 30, 196, 304
ParrripGe, Colonel C. K., 100
Pierce, F.N., F.E.S., 81
Poumar, W. B., 217
Prout, Louris B., F.E.S., 204
Pyrerr, ChaupE A., 146
1V
Raynor, Rey. Grzert H., 68, 268
Renton, W., 60, 130, 162
Roruscuitp, Hon. N. CHarnes, M.A.,
F.L.S., F.E.S., 225, 297
Rowxanp-Brown, H., M.A., F.E.S., 32,
108, 149, 153, 197, 221, 316, 324
Russet, G. M., B.Se., 227
SHarrPe, Miss Eminy Mary, 5, 36, 123,
166, 184, 310
SHaw, V. Eric, 219
Suenmey, T. J., 71,°72
SHEPHEARD-WALWYN, H. W., F.Z.S.,
F.E.S., 201
Smmonps, Hursert W., 195
SmatuMan, RaueicH §S., 217, 290
Soper, E. J. Burczss, F.H.S., 77, 151,
199, 326
Sourn, Ricuarp, F.E.S., 67, 77, 80, 101,
135, 173, 175, 176, 191, 200, 222, 242,
249, 264, 265, 267, 269, 289, 317, 318
Sparke, Ep. G. J., B.A., F.E.S., 101,
266, 267, 290, 318
STanpDEN, R., 316
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
STEVENSON, CHARLES, 101
StTonEeLL, B., 18, 242
THEOBALD, FRED. V., M.A., 154, 256, 281
THORNEWILL, Rey. Cuas. F., 102
Trippin, O., 318
Townprow, R. F., 100
TouRNER, Dents, 247
TurnER, H., 317
Turner, Hy. J., F.E.S., 56, 71, 104, 150,
198, 222, 271, 296, 325
WainwricHt, Conpran J., F.E.S., 56,
151, 199, 222, 271, 327
Waker, Rev. F. A., D.D., F.E.S., 18,
awil
Warsure, JoHN C., 266
WarneE, Ernest, 268
Warren, W., M.A., F.E.S., 225
Wesster, H. G., 293
WuitrakER, Oscar, 319
WicE.tswortH, Rost. J., 326
Wireman, A. E., F.E.S., 300
Wricut, JoHN, 270
Vinatu, Hues J., 76, 267
PLATES.
I.—Structure of Genitalia in Lithoside .
Il.—Callithea adamsi, sp. noy. .
III.—Plusia moneta, larva, cocoon, and imago .
IV.—WMetachrostis costiplaga, sp. nov.
V.—Ceratophyllus dalei, a new British flea
ILLUSTRATIONS IN
Attitude of Hybernating Wasp .
Plesiorrhina ugandensis, sp. nov.
Resting Attitude of Zamacra flabellaria
Aberration of Melitea didyma
Labium of Spherodema
Plumules of Butterflies
Aberration of Lyce@na icarus
Zographus balteatus, sp. nov.
Papilio mikado, var. nov.
to face
Xenobiston casta, sp. nov. :
: : : 6 PANT
THE TEXT.
106
153
224
229
249
273
300
INSTRUCTIONS to BINDER.—The SPECIAL INDEX, given
the ‘Entomologist’ for January, 1904, belongs to this Volume,
with
and
should be placed next to this General Index.
INDEX.
GENERAL.
Aberration of Arctia caia, 289; of Knal-
lagma cyathigerum, 49; of Lepido-
ptera, 265; of Lyczena icarus, 249; of
Melitza didyma, An (figs.), 153
Aberrations of Butterflies, Some, 288
Abraxas grossulariata: Second brood,
289, 318
Abnormal appearance of Noctue, 138
Abundance of Pyrameis cardui, 267,
315
Acherontia atropos in April, 192;
Saltaire, 193
Acidalia straminata var. circellata in
Delamere Forest, 317
Acronycta alni in Hants, 292 ; in Nor-
wich, 189
Aculeate Hymenoptera of Staffordshire,
265
Africa, Butterflies collected in Equa-
torial, 5
Agrionine, On a method of preserving
the colour of, 34
Agrotis agathina, precox, and vestigi-
alis in Worcestershire, 266
Agrotis ripe at Chester, 71
A List of the Lepidoptera of Capri, 254,
284, 307
Ammoplanus, New species of, 178
A new Coccid from Madeira allied to
Coccus tuberculatus, Bouché, 261
Ant associated with Coccide at Cualata,
Note on the, 48
Apamea ophiogramma, 268
Apatura iris reared on willow, 217
Apis, Genus, 177
Aquatic Hemiptera in South Lancashire,
318
Arctia caia, Yellow var. of, 243
Asphondylia ulicis, Traill, 252
Asteroleucanium from Egypt, A new
Coccid of the Genus, 112
Attacks of Parasites on Vanessa pups,
170
Attitude of Hybernating Vespa occiden-
talis, 137,—Wasp, 33
Auchenorrhynchous Homoptera, On the
classification of the, 42, 64, 93
Australian Lepidoptera at Sugar, 172
Autumn Notes from the Salisbury dis-
trict, 51
in
Birds attacking Lepidoptera, 173
Boarmia roboraria in Surrey, 18
Butterflies collected in British East
Africa, 123, 166, 184,—in Equatorial
Africa, 5, 36; in Hyde Park, 266; in
the Maidstone district, 72; of Derby-
shire, 265
Butterfly Net, a new, 191
Callithea from Peru, a new species of,
105
Captures at Wimborne in October, 72
Cassida viridis in Canada, 101
Ceratophyllus dalei, A new British Flea,
297
Choeerocampa celerio at Brighton, 292
Chrysididz, New species of Indian, 10, 40
Chrysomelide from South America, 169
Chrysopa aspersa and C. flava at Bal-
ham, 292
Coccidx from Mexico, 45
Ccenonympha iphis in Brittany: A cor-
rection, 289
Coincidence of Pyrameis cardui and
Plusia gamma, 316
Coleoptera at Hastings, 193
Colias edusa in Cornwall, 317
Collecting in Ross-shire, 72 ; in the New
Forest, 22, 73; in Yorkshire, 21; at
Chexbres in July, 1903, 320
Contributions to the National Collection
of British Lepidoptera, 173, 188, 264
Current Notes, 127, 262, 286, 310
Deilephila livornica at Bournemouth,
242
Description of a new Longicorn beetle
from British East Africa (fig.), 273
Description of a new species of Ammo-
planus from South Africa, 178
Description of a new species of the
Family Lemoniide, 310
Descriptions of four new species of
Vespa from Japan, 278; of some new
species of Clythridx, 62, 91; of some
new species and a new genus of
Chrysomelids from §. America, 169,
182, 209 ; of ten new species and nine
new genera of Ichneumonide from
India, Ceylon, and Japan, 233, 260
.
vl INDEX.
Dicycla oo in Huntingdonshire, 14
Diptera at Hastings, 193
Dragonflies in Banffshire, 219; of Ep-
ping Forest, 49
Earlier stages of Lycena arion, 57
Early emergence of Phigalia pedaria, 18
Kmergence of Aischna grandis, 253
Emergence of Notodonta dictwa, Ex-
tended, 316
Emmelesia and Eupithecia taken in
Roxburghshire, Species of the genera,
60
‘‘Himperor of Morocco,’’ 17, 100
Enallagma cyathigerum, Aberration of,
49
Epidemic among caterpillars, 172, 191
Erastria fuscula, 100, 138
Kupithecia togata, 290
Fire in Wicken Fen, 191
Five new Coccids from Mexico, 45
Flea, A new British, 297
Further note on Liphyra brassolis, 170
Genitalia, Specific differences in Litho-
side as determined by structure of,
81
Geometra vernaria, Notes on, 227, 290
Geometride collected on the Mediter-
ranean, &c., 204
Gynandrous Eucera longicornis, 102;
Hesperia actzon, 242; Lycena icarus,
30, 54
Habits of Tachytes and Paranysson,
100
Hawk-moth pupating on
ground, 71
Heliothis armigera and Plusia moneta
in Lewes, 267
Hesperia (Syrichthus) malve var. taras
in Surrey, 101
Heteroptera and Auchenorrhynchous
Homoptera, 213, 230
Hilara viridis, 49
Hybernation of Dasychira fascelina, 288
Hybrids—Amorpha austauti x Smerin-
thus atlanticus, 104; Malacosoma
neustria x castrensis, 147; Pygera
pigra x curtula, 54; Selenia bilunaria
xtetralunaria, 32, 54; Smerinthus
ocellatus x populi, 54,55, 104
Hymenoptera and Tenthredinide on the
Great Andes of the Equator, 95, 120,
158
surface of
Insect Fauna of the County of Essex, 98
Insect Periodicity, 17
Insects of Northampton, 265
Isodema adelma, A new subspecies of,
12
Kestrel destroying butterflies, 68
Laphygma exigua in Yorkshire, 317
Larva of Liphyra brassolis, The, 36;
of Liphyra brassolis, Westw., the
young, 89; of Plusia moneta, 101; of
Vanessa polychloros, 99
Larve at sugar, 136
Larve of British Coleophora, 71
Lepidoptera at electric light, 243; at
light, &c., in Herts, 50,—during April
and May, 195,—during 1902, 142 ;
at Wallington, 18; in August at
Brockenhurst, 269 ; in Hertfordshire,
52; in North Dorset, 20; in Suffolk,
143; National Collection of British,
135, 173, 188, 264; of the Harwich
district, 140; of the Island of Capri,
254, 286,307; of Roxburghshire, 130,
162; reared from ova or larvee during
the past season, 304
Leucania loreyi in South Devon, 266,
292; unipuncta in South Devon, 266 ;
vitellina, &e., at Lewis, 293
Life-history of Aporia crategi, 249; of
Argynnis lathonia, 300; of Vanessa
antiopa, 2
Liphyra brassolis, Further note on, 170 ;
the larva of, 36; the young larva of,
211
Lophopteryx carmelita, 288
Lucanus cervus at Chichester, 292
Lycena agestis, 18; astrarche, 18;
arion, the earlier stages of, 57
Maternal Solicitude in Rhynchota and
other non-Social Insects, 113
Mature larve of Abraxas grossulariata
in September, 266
Melita aurinia, Some British forms,
86, 108; var. hibernica, 188
Merrin’s Calendar, 100
Micropyga, The name, 173, 189
Mild weather, The, 100
Miscellanea Rhynchotalia, 44, 179
Morphology and Classification of the
Auchenorrhynchous Homoptera, 42,
64, 93
National Collection of British Lepi-
doptera, The, 135, 173, 188, 264
Neuroptera, 40
New Cetoniid beetle from British Kast
Africa (fig.), Description of a, 98
New Coccid of the genus Asteroleu-
canium from Egypt, A, 112
New Culicid from the Federated Malay
States, 256
New Forest in July, The, 247
New Forest Natural History Society, 67
Nomenclature of the Genera of the
Rhynchota, 213, 230
Note on Polia serena, 136; on Spilosoma
mendica, 188; on the season at
Chichester, 24
Notes from New Zealand, 194; from
INDEX. Vil
Romford, Essex, 25; from Salisbury
district, 51; from Suffolk, 18; from
the Chester district, 25; from Wales,
73; on a Collection of Butterflies
from Brittany, 246; on captures,
1903, 319; on Coleoptera collected in
1902, 139; on collecting Lepidoptera
during 1902, 142; on Geometra ver-
naria, 227; on Lepidoptera at Chi-
chester, 292; on Plusia moneta, 193;
on pupe of Nonagria typhi, 138;
on the Bee: Genus Apis, 177 ; on the
Bee genus Halictus, 206; on the
Lepidoptera of the Harwich district,
140; on the life-history of Aporia
crategi, 249; on the Lictor case-
moth, 217; on the plumules of But-
terflies, 228; Suburban, 25
OBITUARY :—
Claude A. Pyett, 296
J. H. Fowler, 248, 272
Dr. Philip Brookes Mason, 328
Odonata and Orthoptera in 1902, 191;
in Norfolk, 50
Orthoptera (read Rhynchota), 40
Ovipositing of Hrastria fuscula, 100
Papilio mikado, On a new variety of,
300
Parasites on larve of Macrothylacia
rubi, 241
Parasitic Hymenoptera and Tenthredi-
nide, 95, 120, 158
Phibalapteryx fluviata (gemmata) at Chi-
chester, 292
Phytophagous Coleoptera, 62, 91
Pieris daplidice, &c., at Folkestone,
293
Pionea (Ebulea) stachydalis in Surrey,
242
Plumules of butterflies, Notes on, 228
Plusia chrysitis, 219, 268,—in London,
242, 317; moneta (figs.), 201,—in
Northampton, 317; ni at Penzance,
217, 276; probable origin of Cornish,
298
Pecilocampa populi, Some account of
the larva of, 13
Porthesia chrysorrheea in England, 70
“Practical Hints for the Field Lepi-
dopterist,” 265
Preserving the colour of the Agrionine,
On a method of, 34
pete origin of Cornish Plusia ni,
8
Psocidia at Missenden, Bucks, 49
Pupa of Vanessa polychloros attacked
by parasites, 135
Pyrameis atalanta at light, 293
Pyrameis cardui, &c., in Kent, 293; at
electric light, 293
Pyrameis cardui and Plusia gamma, 293
Pyrameis cardui in Tooting, 267
Pyrameis cardui, Plusia gamma, and
Nemophila noctuella, 274
Rearing Knnomos erosaria and EH. fus-
cantaria, 101; fuscantaria, 189
Recent Literature :—
A Catalogue of the Coccide of the
World, by Mrs. Maria E. Fernald, 296
A List of the Lepidoptera found in the
Counties of Cheshire, Flintshire,
Denbighshire, Carnarvonshire, and
Anglesea, by George O. Day, 176
A List of North American Lepidoptera
and Key to the Literature of this
Order of Insects, by Harrison G.
Dyar, 176
Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of North-
umberland, Durham, and New-
castle-upon-Tyne, by J. Robson, 80
Economic Reports, 152
Lepidoptera of the British Isles, The,
vol. vii., by C. G. Barrett, 80
Monographie der Acanaloniiden und
Flatiden (Homoptera), by L. Meli-
char, 77
Proceedings of the South London
Entomological and Natural History
Society, 1902, 175
Recherches morphologiques sur les
piéces labiales des Hydrocores, by
N. Leon, 223 °
The Butterflies and Moths of Europe,
by W. F. Kirby, 200
The Butterflies of Switzerland and
the Alps of Central Europe, by
George Wheeler, 327
The Classification of the Aleyrodide,
by T. D. A. Cockerell, 152
The Metamorphosis, of Sisyra, by
Maude H. Anthony, 200
Transactions of the City of London
Entomological and Natural History
Society, 1902, 176
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES :—
Birmingham Entomological, 56, 151,
198, 222, 271, 326
Entomological Club of London, 222
Entomological of London, 30, 53, 102,
146, 196, 220, 321
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomolo-
gical, 76, 150, 199, 325
Manchester Entomological, 326
South London Entomological and
Natural History Society, 54, 103,
149, 197, 222, 270, 294, 324
Tiffin’s School Natural History, 77.
Rhynchota, Undescribed Oriental, 1
Rhynchotalia Miscellanea, 44, 179
Season of 1902, The, 27
Sirex gigas in Ireland, 268; in Wales,
71; juvencus at Weybridge, 291
Smerinthus populi double-brooded, 241
Species of the genus Plusia in Kent, 291
Vill INDEX.
Specific differences in Lithoside as de-
termined by structure of the Geni-
talia, 81
Sphinx conyolvuli and Chrrocampa
nerii in Warwickshire, 292
Sphinx convolvuli at Lowestoft, 269 ;
at Scarborough, 269; in Gloucester-
shire, 269; in Ireland, 292
Specific identity of Lucinia torrebia,
Mén., The, 203
Spilodes palealis in Surrey, 268
Spring Lepidoptera at Wallington, 138
Spring Notes (1903) in Wilts and Hants,
173
Suburban Notes, 1902, 24
Summer Notes from Salisbury, 243
Swiss Lepidoptera in 1902, 19
Sympetrum fonscolombii in the act of
migrating, 70
Tarantula, sp., 56
Two new Australian Culicide, 154
Two new Jamaican Culicide, 281
Two new species of Lepidoptera from
the Wady el Natron, Egypt, 225
Undescribed Oriental Rhynchota, 1
Urticating effects of larval hairs, 68
Urticating larval hairs, 137, 192, 211
Urticating properties of certain moth
cocoons, 171
Vagaries of the Season, 267, 259, 317
Vanessa antiopa, 18; in the Isle of
Wight, 291; life-history of, 2; io ab.
cyanosticta, 67
Vanessa pupe, attacks of parasites on,
170
VARIETIES :—
Abraxas grossulariata, 76
Agrotis exclamationis, 56; suffusa, 54
Amorpha popuili, 150
Anisopteryx escularia, 222
Aphantopus hyperanthus, 56
Aplecta nebulosa, 295
Arctia caia, 243, 265, 289
Argynnis aglaia, 271; chariclea, 103
Cabera pusaria, 295
Catabomba pyrastri, 56; selenitica, 56
Catocala nupta, 56
Chrysophanus phleeas, 289
Cleora glabraria, 294
Ccenonympha davus, 25; pamphilus,
553; typhon, 55
Errara.—P. 101, line 15, for ‘*Towlin” read ‘ Tomlin.”
Crocallis elinguaria, 197
Cymatophora duplaris, 56
Dicycla oo, 15
Dilina tilie, 148
Ematurga atomaria, 25, 55, 56, 103
Enallagma cyathigerum, 49, 104
Ephippiphora obscurana, 54
Ephyra pendularia, 103
Hpinephele ianira, 271
Euchloé cardamines, 56, 289
Halyzia 18-guttata, 221
Hesperia malve, 101
Hybernia marginaria, 222
Hypsipetes sordidata, 271
Isodema adelma, 12
Leptidia sinapis, 271
Limenitis sibylla, 294
Lithocolletis clerkella, 55
Lycena bellargus, 30; icarus, 30, 54,
249
Melanippe montanata, 55
Melita aurinia, 86, 108; cinxia, 154;
didyma, 153
Noctua festiva, 197
Ocneria dispar, 294
Odontopera bidentata, 55, 151
Papilio machaon, 55; mikado, 300
Phigalia pedaria, 197
Phratora vitelline, 31
Pieris napi, 289
Plusia chrysitis, 54; gamma, 197
Polia chi, 55
Pyrameis cardui, 55
Smerinthus populi, 150; tilie, 55
Stilicus fragilis, 221
Strenia clathrata, 54, 55
Teniocampa munda, 197, 222
Tephrosia luridata, 104
Thera variata, 56, 76
Triphena fimbria, 222; orbona, 76
Vanessa antiopa, 5,54; io, 67; urtice,
54, 289
Zonosoma linearia, 295
Vespidee, 290
Whitsuntide in the New Forest, 219
Yellow colouring of cocoon of Plusia
moneta, 188, 217, 242, 290
Young larva of Liphyra brassolis, 211
Zamaera flabellaria, Notes on the rest-
ing attitude of, 106
P. 150, line 27, for
‘‘ Kviopeltis ” read ‘ Eriopeltis ”’ ; and line 33, for ‘‘Palvinaria”’ read ‘* Pulvinaria.”’
P. 212, line 2, for ‘‘nearly”’ read ‘‘merely.”
the hind wings”’ read ‘‘under side of the right fore wing.”’
bottom, for ‘“‘ Mr.”’ read ‘‘ Mrs.”’
P. 289, line 7, for ‘‘ under side of
P. 290, line 13 from
THE EN'TOMOLOGIST
Vor. XXXVI] JANUARY, 1903. [No. 476.
UNDESCRIBED ORIENTAL RHYNCHOTA.
By W. L. Disranr.
Fam. Repovips.
EMESIN2.
Luteva feana, sp. n.
Piceous ; anterior lobe and anterior margin of posterior lobe of
pronotum, body beneath — excluding apex of abdomen—coxe, bases
and apices of anterior femora and tibiew, bases of intermediate and
posterior femora, luteous ; a large spot on corium at base of membrane,
and a small apical spot to membrane, cretaceous white. Anterior coxz
considerably passing apex of head ; anterior lobe of pronotum glabrous,
posterior lobe punctate ; basal joint of antenne luteous at base, about
as long as abdomen ; anterior femora thickly and finely spinous beneath.
Long. 5 millim.
Hab. Burma; Bhamo, Palon (F'ea).
NaBIN#.
Alleorhynchus marginalis, sp. n.
Head, pronotum, scutellum, and sternum piceous, shining; a
lateral spot on each side of scutellum, and the corium, brownish
piceous; a spot on apical margin of corium and its apical angle
ochraceous ; membrane pale piceous, its basal angle narrowly ochra-
ceous; connexivum above and _ beneath ochraceous, spotted with
piceous ; abdomen beneath castaneous ; legs, rostrum, and antenne
ochraceous, apices of femora and bases of tibize brownish ochraceous ;
second and fourth joints of antenne about equal in length, third a
little longer than first; body above finely pilose; anterior and inter-
mediate femora thickly and finely spingus “Beneath 4) cauiterior tibiee
distinctly clavate at apices. Long. 7 millim. oo
Hab. Burma; Katha (Fea). © AUN AS 1003 \
Allied to 4. nigra, Walk. WY ,
mS \ > ‘d
ENTOM.—JANUARY, 1908. SERONIAN Bi pit 02" B
2 THE ENTOMOLOGIS!.
Phorticus cingalensis, sp. Nn.
Head, scutellum, sternum, and membrane piceous ; pronotum and
corium dull castaneous ; anterior margin of pronotum, a basal spot to
corium, connexivum, posterior margin of prosternum, abdomen, legs,
and rostrum luteous ; antenne brownish ochraceous, base and apex of
third joint luteous ; basal joint of antenne passing apex of head, first
and second joints incrassate; pronotum faintly transversely con-
stricted; membrane slightly passing abdominal apex, its apical margin
narrowly fuliginous ; body distinctly pilose. Long. 23 millim.
Hab. Ceylon (Lewis).
LIFE-HISTORY OF VANESSA ANTIOPA.
By F. W. Frouawx, M.B.O.U., F.E.S.
(Concluded from vol. xxxv. p. 301.)
Arter fourth and last moult the larva measures, when fully
grown, 24 in. long, of almost uniform thickness, excepting the
first segment, which is much the smallest. The head is bilobed,
having a deep notch on the crown, und of a dull black colour,
covered with black warts, each emitting a white hair. The seg-
mental divisions are deep, each segment being swollen in the
middle, and transversely wrinkled on the posterior half; the
spines are long and tapering to a very sharp point, shining
black, and bear a number of fine white hairs, each having a black
swollen base; the two anterior pairs of dorsal spines are branched,
each having two; the first segment is spineless. The arrange-
ment of the spines is as follows: four each on second and third
segments—these are the longest spines on the body, and are
placed subdorsally and laterally ; six each on fourth and fifth,
and seven each on all the remaining segments, excepting the
last, which has four subdorsal ones, making in all sixty-six
spines; from the sixth to eleventh segments (both inclusive)
each has a short medio-dorsal spine, which is absent from the
rest; the other spines on the fourth to eleventh inclusive form
subdorsal, super-spiracular, and sub-spiracular rows. The ground
colour is a deep velvety black, the surface is minutely but roughly
granulated, bemmg covered with extremely minute points, and
densely sprinkled with pearl-white warts, each emitting a fine
white hair, some being of considerable length, and the majority
slightly curved; they curve in different directions, giving the
larva a soft silky or velvety appearance from the varied play of
light falling on the hairs; the segmental divisions are bare, as
well as the interstices of the wrinkles, which appear of a
deep velvety black; down the centre of the back is a series
of rich deep rust-red shield-like markings, which commence
LIFE-HISTORY OF VANESSA ANTIOPA. 3
on the third segment, and terminate on the eleventh segment,
the first being the smallest, and composed of four spots, the two
anterior ones are very small, the red runs along each side of the
medio-dorsal spine, and behind it in the middle of the red are
three black markings; all the red markings have the surface
granular like the rest of the body, and scattered with similar
hairs, but the base of each is yellowish ; in the centre of the
anal segment is a shining black dorsal disk, much resembling the
head; the spiracles are black and inconspicuous, the legs are
black and shining, and the four pairs of middle claspers are a
burnt-sienna or rust colour, with a polished band above the feet,
which are amply furnished with hooks ; the anal pair are black,
with pale reddish feet.
The larve are gregarious until full-fed; they then become
very restless, and crawl rapidly about in search of a suitable
place for pupation. ‘The first became full-fed on June 20th,
when several started crawling restlessly about. After crawl-
ing for five hours, | then enclosed seven of them in a glass-
covered box to watch results; after crawling about for another
hour, they finally rested close together on the top of the box
(inside), and I noticed from time to time they were spinning
pads of silk, as well as a layer of silk to rest upon, and, attaching
the anal claspers to the pads, they settled down for pupation.
Next day one after the other became suspended, and the following
day (June 22nd) they all (the seven) pupated.
Like other Vanesside larva, antiopa are very sensitive to any
disturbance; any sudden noise sufficient to cause concussion of
the air causes the whole brood to give a violent jerk. From this
instantaneous movement of several hundred larve in a dense
mass, the effect is very curious, and, | should think, somewhat
alarming to any insectivorous bird that might approach them too
closely. This habit exists through all its stages. Whether this
is a protective habit or not cannot be said, but the spines in the
last two stages, especially after the fourth moult, are so sharply
pointed, that I have frequently had them pierce my hands.
Therefore, if occasion offered, such efficient weapons of defence
would afford considerable protection to the larve.
Both sallow and willow are equally suitable food for the larve,
and birch is readily eaten, even when willow has formed the sole
food until the last stage ; they will also feed on elm. Nettle, I
found, was not appreciated, and not touched by them during the
last two or three stages; only when first hatched could I induce
them to feed upon it, and, although they lived upon nettle for
several days, they did not thrive, and eventually died.
The pupa measures in total length, including the cremaster,
from 1 in. to lin. The average of the male pupa is 1 in., and
that of the female 13, but large females are as much as 14.
Side view: he head is beaked in front, the thorax angular,
B2
4 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
rising to a pointed dorsal keel, and sloping posteriorly to the
sunken metathorax ; the abdominal segments rise to the third,
then decreasing and curving to the anal segment, which termi-
nates in a long slightly curved cremaster, furnished with an
ample cluster of hooks; the ventral surface forms a fairly
straight line, except bulging at the apex of the wings. Dorsal
view: The head terminates in two well-developed points ;
there are three points which project laterally on the wing,
the first on the base, the second on the inner margin, and
the third near the anal angle ; between these points the out-
line is concaved, the abdomen gradually tapers to the anal
segment, the cremaster is broad, flattened, rounded at the
end, and has a sunken centre. On the fourth, fifth, sixth,
seventh, and eighth abdominal segments are a medio-dorsal
black point and a subdorsal seriesj of six prominent points,
commencing on the second segment, and ending on the seventh
segment ; those on the eighth and ninth segments are very
small, that on the fourth segment is the largest; they have pale
bases, black centres, and orange tips; there are also two rows of
small black tubercles, the first super-spiracular, the second sub-
spiracular; each row is composed of a single tubercle on each
segment; the spiracles are narrow transverse apertures of a
dusky colour. ‘The dorsal half of the head and wing points are
black, and the ventral half orange. The whole surface is finely
and irregularly furrowed and granulated. The ground colour is
a pale buff, covered with fine fuscous reticulations. The entire
surface is clothed with a whitish powdery substance, giving a pale
lilac or pinkish bloom to the pupa, which, however, is easily
rubbed off, the pupa then assuming a brownish hue. I found no
variation in the colouring of the pupe; every one of the number
-—between fifteen hundred and two thousand—was precisely as
described.
Immediately the pupa rids itself of the larval skin it is so
vigorous in its efforts to anchor the cremastral hooks firmly into
the silken pad by its twistings and twirlings, that I have seen
them actually tear themselves away and fall to the ground.
From this host of pup butterflies commenced emerging
during the middle of July, and continued until the middle of
August, during which time something over fifteen hundred had
emerged. From this large number I selected a good series,
showing considerable variation in the colouring of the borders
and blue spots, but I did not succeed in obtaining any striking
aberration ; but the majority of the specimens were very fine,
and many exceptionally large, a quantity being of greater size
than any in my series of British-caught examples, or any
Kuropean ones [ have seen. The largest of these beautiful
insects is a huge female measuring exactly 34 in. in expanse.
The colour of the marginal band varies from a pale straw-
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN EQUATORIAL AFRICA. 5
yellow to a rich deep ochreous or tawny yellow; in some speci-
mens the band is almost plain, being only very faintly and
sparsely sprinkled with dusky specks, while others have the
bands thickly speckled and almost blotched with black, similar
to the North American form. ‘The submarginal series of blue
spots vary much in size, and are of two distinct hues ; the usual
colour is a light, bright, and somewhat metallic blue, and in some
examples the spots are a clear metallic lilac. The ground colour
is liable to vary from deep purplish black to rich chocolate or
deep ruby brown ; in some the central portion of the primaries
is considerably darker than the rest of the ground colour, forming
an indistinct pattern.
I should here mention that the above description of the larve
is contrary to that given by Buckler, who states that the young
larve are much more pubescent than when adult, and that
the naked spots on the back are green; and of the full-grown
larva: ‘‘ The ventral prolegs are wholly reddish green, . . . the
anal pair black, with reddish-green feet.” This description
must have been from an extraordinary variety of the larva, but
I find it copied in the most recent works on the British Butterflies.
ON THE BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN EQUATORIAL
AFRICA BY CAPTAIN CLEMENT SYKKES.
By Emiry Mary Saree.
(Continued from vol. xxxy. p. 311.)
Family Lemonip2.
LIpyTHAIN®.
99. LipytHea LaBpaca, Westw.—a,b. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900. .
100. Apisara pEettcata, Lathy, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1901,
p. 28, pl. iii. fig. 4.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
Family Lycmnipz&.
101. Lacunocnema sisutus (Fabr.). — a,b, ¢ ?. Wadelai;
January-March, 1900.
102. Osoronta PuNcTATUS (Dewitz).—a. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
103. Axrocerses HAaRPAX (Fabr.).—a, 3. Wadelai ; January—
March, 1900. b,c, ¢ ?. March from Usoga to Nandi; April,
1900.
104. CurysopHanus apport, Holland.—a. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
105. Casrauius caLice (Hopff.).—a. Lamogi; November, 1899.
6 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
106. URANOTHAUMA FALKENSTEINII (Dewitz).—a, b. March from
Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
107. Puuyaria cyara (Hewits.). — a,b. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
108. Tarucus puintus (F'abr.).—a. Wadelai ; January—March,
1900. 0b. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
109. Potyommatus BaTICUS (Linn.).-—a, @. Wadelai; Janu-
arv—March, 1900).
110. CarocHrysops patricia (T'rim.). —a, 2. March from
Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
111. C. cissus (Godt.).—a, 9. March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900.
112. C. asopus (Hopff.).—a, 3. March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900.
113. LycmNnrestHES LARYDAS (Cram.).— a,b, ¢. March from
Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
114. Zizmra earka (Trin.).— a, 3. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
115. HyponycamNna antiraunus (Doubl. & Hewits.).—a, 2.
March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
116. H. pacuatica, Butl.—a, b, $. Wadelai; January—March,
1900.
117. H. puiippus (Fabr.). — a, 2. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
118. ViracHona antaLus (Hopff.).—a, 3. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
119. Tinara amENatDA ([Tewits.).—a. Wadelai; January—
March, 1900.
120. TanurTHEerra PRomMETHEUS, H. H. Druce.—a, 3. Unyoro ;
March, 1900.
Family Preripa.
121. Nycurrona tmmacunaTa (Auriv.). — a,b. March from
Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
122. Terias Bricirra (Cram.).—a. Wadelai ; January—March,
1900. b. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
123. T. marsHauui, Butl.—a—c. March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900.
124. T. porspuvaniaNnaA, Mab.—a. Lamogi; November, 1899.
b-d. Wadelai; January-March, 1900. e¢. Unyoro; March, 1900.
125. PinacoptEryx vipva, Butl., P.Z.8. 1899, p. 972, pl. Ixx.
fig.8,9. a-c, § 2. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
126. P. prana (Botsd.).—a, ¢. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN EQUATORIAL AFRICA. 7
127. GuuropHrRissa sana (Fabr.).—a, 2. Wadelai; January—
ane 1900. 0b, c, $. March from Usoga to Nandi; April,
128. BELENOIS MESENTINA (Cram.).—a, b, @. Wadelai; Janu-
ary—March, 1900.
129. B. inrma, Butl.—a, 2. Wadelai ; January—March, 1900.
b-d, § 2. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
130. B. crawnayi, Butl. — a,b, 3. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
131. B westrwoopt, Wallgr.— a,b, 3 ?. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
132. B. instapiuis, Butl.—a-c, § 9. Wadelai; January—
March, 1900.
133. B. ? catypso (Drury). — a, 3. Unyoro; March, 1900.
b, 3. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
These two specimens differ from the typical form in having
no black spot at the end of the discoidal cell on the primaries of
the upper side.
134. B. sonmucis, Butl.—a-d, 3 2. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
135. Puissura syivra (Fubr.).—a, b, 3. March from Usoga to
Nandi ; April, 1900.
136. Mynorurts porpra (Godt. nec Cram.).—a, 3. March from
Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
137. M. acaturna (Cram.). — a,b, 3. March from Usoga to
Nandi ; April, 1900.
138. M. rusricosta (Mab.).—a. Unyoro ; March, 1900.
139. M. canoris (Fabr.).—a, 2? . March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900.
140. M. cuartssa, Butl.—a, ?. March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900.
141. M. winrontana, H. M. Sharpe.—a,b, 3 2. March from
Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
142. M. sacxson1, H. M. Sharpe.
to Nandi; April, 1900.
143. Leucrronta pHaris (Boisd.).—a, ?. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
144. L. suquerti (Boisd.).—a, ¢. March from Usoga to
Nandi ; April, 1900.
145. L. raavassina (Boisd.).—a, ¢. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
146. L. arata (Fabr.).— a-c, ¢ 2. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
a, 2. March from Usoga
8 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
147. Eronta Lepa (Boisd.).—a, 2. Wadelai; January-March,
900. b-d, ¢ 2. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
148. Contras ELEcTRA (Linn.).—a-c, f @. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
149. Caropsinta FLORELLA (Iabr.).—a, 3. Lamogi; Novem-
ber, 1899. b, d. Wadelai; January-March, 1900. c,d, 9.
March from Usoga to Nandi ; April, 1900.
150. Teracouus ERIS (Klug), E. M. Sharpe, Monogr. Tera-
colus, p. 24 (1898).—a, b, g¢ ¢. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
151. T. cauats (Fabr.), HE. M. Sharpe, ¢.'¢., p. 1 (1898): sage:
3 @. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
152. T. potecyas (Butl.), H. M. Sharpe, t.c., p. 61 (1900).—
a,b, & %?. Wadelai; January-March, 1900. c¢, 3. March from
Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
153. T. puntceus (Butl.). H. M. Sharpe, t. c., p. 88 (1899). —
a, &. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
154. T. proromepia (Klug). — a-c, 3 2. Wadelai; January—
March, 1900.
155. T. anTIVEPPE (Boisd.).—a,b, ¢ 2. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
156. T. carrEert, Butl.—a-c, 3 °. Wadelai; January—March,
1900. d, 2. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
157. T. xantuus, Swinh., HE. M. Sharpe, t. c., p. 158 (1902).
158. T. comprus, Butl., HE. M. Sharpe, ¢.c., p. 158 oe
a, . Wadelai ; January- March, 1900.
159. T. psrupacastr, Butl. —a-e, 3 ?. Wadelai; January—
March, 1900. f,g, ¢ @. March from Usoga to Nandi; April,
1900.
160. T. tHroGoNE (Boisd.).—a, 3. Wadelai; January-March,
1900. b, #. Unyoro; March, 1900.
161. T. pissociatus, Butl., HE. M. Sharpe, t.c¢., p. 88 (1900).—
a,b, d @. Wadelai; January-March, 1900. c,d, 3 @. March
from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
162. T. auricineus, Butl.—a, 2. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
163. T. HELvoLUs, Butl.—a, f. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
164. Herpmnia ERIPHIA (Godt.).—a, 3. Unyoro; March, 1900.
b,c, ¢ ¢. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
(To be continued.)
9
ON SOME NEW GENERA AND SPECIES OF HYMENO-
PTERA (ICHNEUMONIDAL, CHRYSIDIDA, FOSSORES,
AND APIDAt). By P. Cameron.
(Concluded from vol. xxxv. p. 315.)
ANTHOPHILA.
Ca@LIOxYS CURVISPINA, Sp. Nov.
Black ; the wings violaceous from the transverse basal nervure ;
the front, face, and clypeus densely covered with reddish-fulvous
pubescence; the scutellar teeth stout, roundly curved on the outer,
straight on the inner side, not reaching to the apex of the scutellum.
2) one. fs: mm:
Hab. Borneo.
Face coarsely rugosely punctured, the clypeus more closely and
not so strongly rugose; the front is distinctly and sharply keeled.
The hair on the cheeks is thicker and more rufous in tint than it is
on the face or clypeus; on the front it is long and pale, on the clypeus
short and white, on the apex of the clypeus it is long, stiff and bright
red. Mandibles aciculated at the base; the rest opaque, aciculated,
and marked with elongated punctures. Mesonotum rugosely punce-
tured, more closely in the middle at the apex ; the scutellum is coarsely
rugosely punctured; the lateral teeth are clearly separated beyond
their base ; the apex of the scutellum is broadly rounded; the post-
scutellum is smooth and shining in the middle; the sides irregularly,
longitudinally striated. Median segment closely punctured, except in
the middle at the apex, and thickly covered on the top and sides with
long white hairs ; the area is aciculated and deeply furrowed in the
middle ; the furrow is wider and deeper below. Mesopleure coarsely
rugosely punctured. Legs black, covered with a pale down; the meta-
tarsus thickly covered with fulvous pubescence. The apical part of
the wings has brilliant purple tints; the second transverse cubital
nervure has the lower two-thirds broadly rounded. The basal five
abdominal segments are closely punctured; the basal two not quite
so closely as the apical ; the basal half of the last segment is coarsely
aciculated, and bears also some scattered punctures ; the apical is more
coarsely aciculated, is opaque, has a stouter keel in the middle, bordered
by a firmer one on either side; these become united at the apex; the
lower segment is curved, lanceolate, and projects beyond the upper.
The segments, above and below, are fringed with soft, white hair.
Comes nearest to C. fulvifrons, Sm., from Celebes, the male
of which only is known.
The genus Hpeolus in India.—The genus Hpeolus is not in-
cluded in the ‘ Hymenoptera of British India’ by Col. Bingham.
When, therefore, I came across a species of the genus from the
Bombay district, I naturally concluded that I had got an addition
to the Indian fauna. On looking up, however, the literature of
the subject, I find that the species—Hpeolus fervidus, Smith,
Descr. of New Species of Hymen. 102—had been already re-
corded from India—also from the Bombay district—by F. Smith,
whose description must have been overlooked by Col. Bingham.
10 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
NEW SPECIES OF INDIAN CHRYSIDIDA.
By Masor C. G. Nurse, Indian Staff Corps.
(Continued from vol. xxxv. p. 308.)
The next seven species are quadridentate, and as the identi-
fication of the Indian quadridentate Chrysidide is by no means
easy, I have made out the following key, which should be of
assistance in separating them. It will be observed that at least
two species, viz. C. gujaratica and C. lucinda, have the sexes
dissimilar, the female only having golden or coppery effulgence.
I have taken both sexes of these species under circumstances
which leave no doubt as to their affinity :-—
A. Teeth of 3rd abdominal segment more or less acute.
a. eionog with golden or coppery effulgence.
bt.
. Ist, 2nd, and 38rd segments with golden or
coppery effulgence.
a’, gi built ; length 7-10 mm.
. Thorax bright metallic green ...
Thorax steel-blue ...
b’, ie slenderly built ; under 7-5 mm.
a’. 1st segment of tarsi very light testa-
ceous ...
b 1st segment of tarsi dark reddish black
1st and 2nd segments with golden or coppery
effulgence
. Qnd and 8rd seements w with golden « or coppery
guyaratica 2.
cupretventris.
zobetda.
quettaensis.
lucinda 2.
effulgence autocrata.
da, Two. spots on apical segment with ‘golden
effuleence : ... speculata.
b. Abdomen entirely blue or ereen.
a’, Wings more or less fuscous.
a, Head smaller than pronotum JSuscipennis.
b*, Head as large as pronotum cotest.
b},
Wings entirely hyaline.
a, Green or bluish-green.
a’, Stoutly built; length 7-9 mm.
a‘, Teeule green i
bt. Tegule blue ..
b’. Slenderly built ; under 71 mm.
a‘, With subapical fovere .
b*. Without subapical fovers
b?. Blue or greenish blue.
lucinda 3.
guaratica g.
balucha.
obliterata.
a®, Head, thorax, and abdomen of equal width.
a‘, Lateral teeth of 3rd abdominal seg-
ment much shorter than median bahadur.
. Lateral teeth not much shorter
than median .. thalia.
. Head, thorax, and abdomen ‘not of
ere width aad seravensis.
B. Teeth of 8rd abdominal segment distinctly blunt.. hoggei.
NEW SPECIES OF INDIAN CHRYSIDIDA. TE
CHRYSIS GUJARATICA, N. sp.
?. Robustly built; head, except clypeus and front, thorax, and
abdomen closely, but not very finely punctured, the puncturing of
the mesonotum, scutellum, postscutellum, and base of the 1st abdo-
minal segment being somewhat coarser, and less close than on the
other portions; head at least as wide as pronotum, and about equal
to it in size when viewed from above; clypeus sparsely punctured,
rounded and very slightly emarginate anteriorly; 2nd joint of flagellum
of antenne nearly as long as the 8rd and 4th united; a ridge in front
of the anterior ocellus, and the front below this ridge forming a sharp
angle with the vertex, the front being thickly covered with long snow-
white pubescence, which hides the sculpturing ; pronotum with the
sides parallel, and a median longitudinal depression, which scarcely
reaches the apex; mesonotum with two short sublateral longitudinal
lines, parallel with the sides of the median quadrate division ; first
two segments of the abdomen of the same width as the thorax,
3rd segment somewhat narrower, the whole abdomen being nearly as
long as the head and thorax united; 38rd abdominal segment rounded,
with four sharp teeth, the inner ones the longest; an ill-defined
median carina on 2nd and 3rd segments above. Light metallic green,
the abdomen, especially on the 2nd and 3rd segments, with a coppery
tint; mandibles metallic green at base, light red in the centre, black
at apex; antenne dark red; tarsi testaceous; head, thorax, and
abdomen covered with short, sparse, white pubescence; wings hyaline,
tegule dark shining blue, radial cell of fore wing not quite closed
at apex.
3. Similar, but of a darker green, and without the coppery
effulgence ; 2nd and 3rd joints of flagellum subequal. Long. 7-9 mm.
Hab. Deesa. I found a large colony of this species about a
bank in which two species of Anthidium (A. saltator, Nurse) and
a species which I identify somewhat doubtfully as A. pulchellum,
Klug, were breeding. I presume that the Chrysis is parasitic on
one or both of these species. It may be worth noting that I had
collected for three years at Deesa before I came across this
species, and then found it in large numbers within a mile of my
house.
CHRYSIS BAHADUR, N.. sp.
?. Head, thorax, and abdomen closely, but not very finely
punctured, and with very sparse greyish pubescence ; clypeus sparsely
punctured, its apex transverse; an irregularly quadrate enclosure
below the anterior ocellus, the front below it being very concave;
head wider than pronotum, and, when viewed from above, about half
as large again as it; abdomen nearly as long as head and thorax
united; a median longitudinal depression on the pronotum, and
another on the ist abdominal segment; 2nd and 8rd abdominal
segments with a median longitudinal carina, 5rd segment quadriden-
tate, with subapical fovew, the teeth sharp, and resembling those of
Stilbum splendidum. Dark blue-green or green-blue; clypeus and front
lighter green ; 8rd abdominal segment with a purple tinge; basal two
joints of flagellum of antennz with stiff, white pubescence, remainder
12 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
of flagellum dark red; tarsi black; wings hyaline, or subhyaline,
radial cell closed.
3. Similar, but of a deeper blue, almost mauve, colour; flagellum
of antenne black. Long. 7-8 mm.
Hab. (Washmir; three specimens obtained at various eleva-
tions between 5000 and 9000 ft.
CHRYSIS LUCINDA, N. sp.
?. Stoutly built, cylindrical; head, thorax, and abdomen closely
and regularly, but not very finely punctured; front concave, with stiff
white pubescence, which hides the sculpturing; pronotum nearly as
large as head, with a median indentation at base; 2nd abdominal
segment with a trace of a carina, 3rd segment quadridentate, the teeth
acute, with a subapical row of fover. Head, thorax, and legs, except
the tarsi, metallic green, the central quadrate division of the meso-
notum and the joints of the segments inclining to dark blue; 1st and
2nd abdominal segments coppery golden, 3rd segment dark blue, its
apex sometimes dark green; antennz dark rufous; tarsi testaceous ;
pubescence on head, thorax, abdomen, and legs short and greyish;
wings hyaline, fore wing with a very slight fuscous tinge, nervures
dark testaceous, tegule greenish blue, finely punctured.
3. Similar; the antenne lighter rufous; the 1st and 2nd abdo-
minal segments bright metallic green, without any coppery effulgence.
Long. 7-8°5 mm.
Hab. (Quetta; several specimens.
(To be continued.)
ON A NEW SUBSPECIES OF JSODEMA ADELMA, Fevp.
By Percy I. Larny, F.E.S.
ON comparing some Lepidoptera from Thibet with Chinese
forms in Mr. Adams’s collection, I noticed among the series of
Tsodema adelna, Feld., an example with an extremely narrow
band. I find that this specimen, which came from the Honrath
collection, is Felder’s type, and bears the locality ‘‘ Shanghai.”
This example agrees well with the figure in ‘ Reise Novare,’ and
I think the Central and Western Chinese and Thibetan forms
differ sufficiently to receive a varietal name.
I give below the chief points of difference between this race
and the type :—
IsoDEMA ADELMA Var. LATIFASCIATA, Var. NOV.
Differs in the much larger cream-coloured patch within cell,
the patches between upper median nervule and submedian ner-
vure twice the size of those in typical adelma ; the submarginal
lunules of both wings below not nearly so well developed.
Hab. Central China, Western China, and Thibet.
13
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LARVHZ OF PQCILOCAMPA
POPULI,
By James Dovueuas.
Possrsiy a few notes on the rearing and changes of the larve
of Pacilocampa populi may be of interest to your readers, espe-
cially as most of the text-books give very imperfect descriptions
of these larve. I obtained several batches of eggs in December,
1901; the females, unlike those of Diloba ceruleocephala or
Trichiura crategi, being attracted by light. The eggs were kept
in a room facing east, with an occasional fire. This proved
rather too warm a temperature, for the larve (then 4 mm. long)
emerged from March 22nd te April 38rd, to the number of about
one hundred. In consequence of this early hatching, and the
lateness of the season, I was almost in despair of rearing them,
none of their usual food-plants showing even buds ; however, I
managed to find a Siberian crab with expanded bracts, and on
these the larve flourished until the apple-trees were sufficiently
advanced. The larve were then of a dark bluish tint, with short
dark hairs, the subdorsal lines orange, and the head much nar-
rower than the first segment. They grew to the length of
10 mm. by April 9th, when they began their first moult. Im-
mediately after this the ground colour, including the head, was
light ochre thickly sprinkled with dark purplish-blue dots, black
spots in pairs on each segment; subdorsal lines orange, with white
spots between the sixth and seventh segments. A few hours later
the ground colour became a light bluish grey, and the head
black. There were no signs of any red blotches or tubercles.
This moulting continued until April 27th, i.e. the last larva did
not change until six days after the first had completed a second
moult, which began on April 21st, and continued until May 15th.
In the early days of this stadium the colour was similar to that
of the previous one, except that the black spots were not so con-
spicuous; size 14mm. Six days after the moult red blotches
described in the fifth stadium began to show signs of appearing,
- the colour being at first dirty yellow; curiously enough, six of
the larv showed no signs of this change, the blotches remaining
black; but I was unable to detect any difference in them after
the next moult.
Third moult, May 6th to June 3rd. General colour lighter,
and the whole appearance more variegated ; marks on the second
segment redder; the larve, when at rest, having a curiously
flattened appearance. Size, May 6th, 25-26 mm.; May 11th,
32-33 mm.
Fourth moult, May 15th to June 15th. Ground colour
creamy white, thickly speckled with black ; dull red blotch (not
tubercle) on second segment on either side of dorsal line; third
14 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
segment with four, fourth to eleventh segments with five, trans-
verse folds; the posterior three of each more swollen ; black
dots (larger on fourth fold of each segment) on subdorsal line,
with slight surrounding tawny tinge. Size, 51-60 mm.
Change for spinning, June 1st to July 2nd. Ground colour
general greyish-blue tinge, shading to green at the head, with
tawny suffusion below subdorsal, and two double orange spots on
each segment ; dorsal line blue, subdorsal orange. This period
lasted from four to seven or more days, after which the larve
spun a very opaque cocoon, varying in colour from a dirty yellow
to a very dark brown, according to the character of its surround-
ings.
It will be noticed that the length of each stadium varied
considerably in different individuals, so that some larve pupated
in at most seventy-five days, whilst others took at least ninety,
although they all received exactly the same treatment.
The imagines, the first of which appeared on Nov. 1st, seem,
so far as they have yet emerged, to be of a ruddier tinge than the
majority of those captured. I have secured a number of fertile
ova from several parents, and shall be interested in seeing
whether this trait will be accentuated in their progeny if fed on
apple, and whether it will disappear if some other food-plant is
adopted.
Sherborne, Dorset.
DICYCLA OO IN HUNTINGDONSHIRE, 1902.
By G. Lissantr Cox.
Durine the ‘‘Long’’ this summer I was very successful in
getting round our Dean for several ‘‘ week-end”’ exeats, and in
company with my friend Mr. H. 8. Dickson made some delight-
ful flying visits to many places near Cambridge.
I have been interested to see several notes on Dicycla 00 in
the ‘Entomologist’ for October and November, and perhaps our
experiences with this insect in Huntingdonshire may be of some
interest.
On the evening of the 13th of July, when we were bicycling
to our headquarters for the night, for some unaccountable whim
I dismounted and sugared a noble oak—an old friend—and then
went on to our destination. We came past the tree at 2 a.m.
on our way home, and I boxed an unknown insect, which, except
for the inevitable Xylophasia monoglypha (polydon), was the sole
specimen at the treacle. That we should have taken it at such
an hour was, as future events proved, an extraordinary piece of
good fortune. We showed our captures to Mr. W. Farren, and
he was not long in spotting the single D. 00, a male in perfect
DICYCLA OO IN HUNTINGDONSHIRE. 15
condition, in the midst of a case full of lesser gems. We found
that he had seen one about a week previously.
On next Saturday, July 19th, the oaks around ‘“‘ our old
friend’’ (now duly canonised and worshipped !) were all sugared
by 7.15 pm. The day had been warm and sunny. In the
evening thick clouds came up which effectually obscured our
enemy—the moon. A warm drizzle started at 10.30, and hard
rain about an hour later which continued during the night.
The first D. 00 was boxed by my friend as early as 7.30!
One or two came before 8. Then the fun waxed fast and furious.
No leisurely walking now from tree to tree, but hard sprinting.
For some time a lamp was quite unnecessary, as they were so
conspicuous; and when at last we lit up, they were much more
easily frightened off the trees. Soon after nine they became
scarcer, and between 10.30 and 11.30 we only took one specimen.
On adding up we found we had forty-five between us, of which
thirty-six were females, and only nine males.
Sunday, the 20th, was cold, stormy, and wet. The night
was cloudy and inclined to rain, with a north wind. The tem-
perature in many parts of England nearly—if not quite—broke
all records for July. Not a promising night for sugar. Yet we
took sixteen more D. 00: hardly another species was seen. This
time the sexes were exactly equal. On one tree I remember
there were three. When boxing the lowest, the other two flew
away, only to return to their identical positions. The lower one
was now boxed, when the other one again made off, and again
we found it settled down on the same spot from which it had
been frightened twice. A most obliging insect is D. oo—some-
times! Nothing was to be seen after 10.30, and, more or less
frozen in our thin clothes, we made off for bed.
One in every five was of the variety renago, figured in
Barrett—a lovely insect. Only forty per cent. of our captures
possessed immaculate fringes, but none were actually torn. An
unsuccessful attempt was made to obtain ova. Karly on Monday
we returned to Cambridge.
On the 17th a female was taken by Mr. R. Brooke and the
Rev. F. Fisher about a quarter of a mile away; and I know of
three men who went to our locality on the 23rd and captured a
goodmany. ‘They seemed to brave all kinds of weather, for in the
strong north-west gale on the 26th a great number came to sugar.
Almost a month later, viz. August 17th, in company with
Mr. R. Brooke and his two brothers, a female D. 00 in good
condition, very much to our surprise, turned up at sugar. We
were working close to the old locality, and it was nice to have
its very near relations—Calymnia trapezina, C.affinis, C. diffinis,
and C. pyralina—all at sugar on that night. Next evening we
resugared the old trees. Only two, however, which had seen
much better days, turned up.
16 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Thus the insect was out for some six weeks, but how long in
any numbers it is difficult to say. What appeared to be its
headquarters was only, as far as I know, worked between July 19th
and 26th, except for our trial in August. The only really warm
spell in our district this summer was between July 6th and 17th,
and doubtless nearly all would emerge then. It would, however,
be rash to assign less than three weeks for the period during
which they were abundant,—this year at all events. It seems
that this season, which has been so abnormal in its amount of
sunshine (it always appeared to be raining, too, though the total
rainfall was below the average), has not exerted as baneful an
influence as might have been expected. The dates of emergence
have, of course, been very erratic. Perhaps it will be the coming
season that will suffer.
Ellacot, Oxton, Birkenhead: November 16th, 1902.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
A Proposep Enromotocican Excuanex Crus ror tHE Bririsy
Isnes.—At the meeting of the City of London Kntomological Society,
held November 4th last, Mr. F. J. Hanbury, in accordance with a
previous intimation, led a discussion as to the advisability of starting
an Entomological Exchange Club for the British Isles on similar lines
to the Botanical Exchange Club, which was, and had been, in a very
satisfactory position for the past five and twenty years. Tor the
general benefit of those who are disposed to consider whether they
would support such a scheme, the following résumé of the proposed
rules and regulations is here set forth :—
1. The object of the Club is to facilitate the exchange of speci-
mens, especially of critical species and varieties. The conditions of
membership are that each member shall furnish a parcel of specimens
annually, in accordance with the subsequent rules, and pay an annual
contribution of five shillings, or of such other sum as may be found
necessary to meet the expenses of the Club. He will then be entitled
to share in the distribution of specimens made in the early part of the
year following that in which his subscription and parcel were sent.
2. Specimens sent for distribution must be carefully set; must be
in perfect condition (unless the species is particularly scarce and in
great demand). Badly set or imperfect specimens will be returned as
received to their owners. Species that might be in danger of exter-
mination will not be received, except in very small numbers, unless
bred ab ovo,
3. Each specimen must have a clearly written or printed label
bearing the name of the species as given in South’s list, and must bear
locality and date of capture, or date of breeding, and any date obtained
that the sender thinks worth while. Specimens sent in each parcel
might be arranged in the exact sequence of names adopted in the
catalogue before mentioned. Not less than six specimens of each
species should be sent, unless very rare or difficult to procure.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. Ly
4. Any facts connected with a species which the sender thinks
important and suitable for a “* Report’’ should be communicated on a
separate sheet of paper, written on one side only the notes on each
species should be dated and signed by the writer. A Report will be
issued at the close of each year containing the various notes sent in
by contributors.
5. Each parcel should be accompanied by a list of insects the
member wishes to receive from the Club. ‘This list is to be made by
drawing a short horizontal line before their names in the catalogue.
Species especially wished for should have a ! before the horizontal
line. The name of the member and address to which the return
parcel is to be sent should be written on the outside of the catalogue,
together with any special directions as to the route by which it should
be forwarded ; the yearly change of distributors necessitates clearness
in this particular. When the same copy of the catalogue is used more
than once, the species which are no longer wanted, but which were
marked, should have a perpendicular line drawn through the horizontal
line. Manuscript lists will not be received.
6. Parcels should be sent by parcels post, or by any other means,
carriage paid, to one of the distributors for the year not later than the
31st December. Those arriving after that date will not be available for
the ensuing distribution. Members who send the more valuable
parcels will have their return parcels selected before those who send
inferior ones.—W. J. Kaye (Sec. City Lond. Ent. Soc.).
Insect Pertopicrry; Maxrmum ann Minimum Pertops. — With re-
ference to the discussion concerning Plusia moneta which has been
going on in these pages (Liawrance, vol. xxxv. p. 242; Colthrup, ibid.
p- 320), I should like to point out that it is dangerous to generalize
too widely from imperfect data. In some cases no doubt the sudden
appearance of a species in large numbers (V. antiopa), or the addition
of a new species to our fauna (P. moneta) may be due to immigration
or importation. But it does not follow that all increases towards the
maximum are to be explained in a similar way. Allowance must be
made for secular causes, such as climatic influence upon the special
enemies of the species, and so forth. It is difficult, and in most cases
practically impossible, to surmise what local fluctuation in external
conditions has been operative in determining the maximum or mini-
mum appearance of a species, but it does not seem to me necessary to
invoke the factor of Continental supply whenever we are unable to
explain the abundance of a particular insect. These thoughts have
been called forth by Mr. Colthrup’s remarks (loc. cit.) concerning
Porthesia chrysorrhewa. All that can be said is that we have had a
‘good year” for this species both here and on the Continent. My
reason for offering this contribution to the discussion is that I noted
the abundance of this insect this autumn in North Wales, all along
the coast from Colwyn Bay to Penmaenmawr, and inland about Capel
Curig. There is no direct Continental communication with this coast.
—(Prof.) R. Menpora; 6, Brunswick Square, W.C., Dee. 6th, 1902.
‘‘Eimprror or Morocco.’’—This has been used as the name of a
butterfly ; but I am only acquainted with the two instances quoted in
ENTOM.—JANUARY, 1905. c
18 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Murray’s ‘ New English Dictionary ’—‘ Peter Pindar’s Poems,’ in which
the insect may be the purple emperor, and Bulwer Lytton’s ‘ Kenelm
Chillingly,’ where Papilio machaon seems to be the butterfly intended.
Has any entomologist met with this term as the name of a butterfly
in any other book, or orally 2—W. F. Kirsy.
VANESSA ANTIOPA.—A propos of the var. of V. antiopa recorded by
Mr. Oldaker (ante, p. 285), it occurs to me to mention that while in
charge of the American Church, Geneva, November, 1898, to April,
1899,—on April 6th in the latter year, while at Etiemlieus and search-
ing for insects at the foot of the Petit Salene—lI observed, but unfor-
tunately failed to capture, a particularly large and fresh specimen of
V. antiopa. Its border was pure white, and was evidently in fresh
condition. The white could not have been a case of fading from an
originally sulphur hue. The following is an extract from my journal
of that date :—‘‘A splendid specimen of V. antiopa settled three or
four times in front of me, but I failed to secure it, owing to the loose
slopes of stone and shale under one’s feet. It had a border of pure
white. I failed, as far as I could perceive, to discern any blue spots.
It was in very fine and fresh condition.”’—(Rev.) F. A. Watker; Dun
Mallard, Cricklewood, N.W., Nov. 1st, 1902.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
BoarMIA ROBORARIA IN SurREY. — On June 22nd, 1902, whilst
collecting at Addington, near Croydon, I took a fine male specimen of
B. roboraria, at rest on a birch-trunk. I should very much lke to
know if there are any other records of this species having been taken
at Addington or Shirley.—B. Sroneti; 25, Studley Road, Clapham.
Nores rrom SurrotK.—On June 8th last I took a fresh-emerged
specimen of Colias hyale. While collecting in East Suffolk in June I
took a good series of Cybosia (Lithosia) mesomella. I have never before
met with it in this county. The dark variety of Nonagria neurica,
which is, I believe, considered rare, has been as frequent this season
as the ordinary type.—Hernry Linewoop; Needham Market, Suffolk.
LycaiNA ASTRARCHE (AGEsTIs).—Referring to Mr. Oldaker’s remarks |
on this species (Ent. xxxv. p. 824), I must say that my experience
does not quite agree with his. I have seen this butterfly in some
numbers, on more than one occasion, near Tring, although sometimes
it is scarce. On June 4th, 1900, it was particularly plentiful, and I
took fourteen specimens in a very short time, and could have taken
many more.—Puiuip J. Barraup ; Bushey Heath, Herts.
Harty EMercence or Paicania peparta.—lI took a fine male P.
pedaria on Dec. 15th last. The moth was sitting on a tree-trunk in
this neighbourhood, and was evidently freshly emerged.—B. H. Cras-
TREE; ‘he Acacias, Levenshulme, Manchester, Dec. 17th, 1902.
Leprpoptera art Watiineron.—During the season several more or
less local moths were abundant in my garden here. The most note-
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 19
worthy of these were Charocampa porcellus, Apamea ophiogramma,
Triphena interjecta, Tethea subtusa, and Plusia moneta ; in fact, in the
middle of July ophiogramma and moneta were in numbers over all the
plants, and I might have captured, on an average, thirty specimens of
the latter a night, had I been so disposed. Single examples of Cir-
rhedia xerampelina and Calymnia diffinis were also taken. Since the
time of the capture of P. moneta I have been diligently searching for
the larve of the species on Delphinium, which abounds in the garden,
but so far my efforts have been unavailing.—Lesum H. Mosss-
Rosinson ; Wandle Bank, Wallington, Surrey, Oct. 24th, 1902.
Swiss Leprporrera, 1902.—My father and I arrived at Montreux
on May 25th, and took up our abode at the ‘ Hétel de Montreux,’ close
to the station, which was to be our headquarters for the ensuing
fortnight. After lunch we went to Veytaux, with our nets, to
prospect. The weather was fine and hot, but the mountains were
almost obscured by a thick haze. We met with butterflies before we
got clear of the houses. Several Vanessa antiopa showed themselves,
but kept well out of reach. Farther on in the meadows we obtained
the following :—Gonepteryx rhamni, Leucophasia sinapis (common),
Euchloé cardamines, Argynnis dia (one), Vanessa c-album, Canonympha
pamphilus (common), Lycena argiolus (one male), L. icarus, L. alsus
(common), Huclidia glyphica (common), Venilia maculata, Hmaturga
atomaria, Strenia clathrata, Scoria dealbata, Minoa murinata, Emmelesia
albulata, Crambus pratellus, and Hrastria deceptoria (one).
On the 27th we started for Les Avants, vid the Gorge du Chaudron.
Les Avants itself, though producing any quantity of narcissi, did not
yield any insects worth taking; but in the clearings in the Gorge we
met with more success. Most of the species taken at Veytaux occurred
here, and in addition :—Colias hyale, Argynnis euphrosyne, Melitea
aurinia, Pararge hiera, Thecla rubi, Lycena acis, Nemeobius lucina, and
Syrichthus malve.
28th.—A very hot day. We went up through the Bois de Chillon
to the foot of the snow on the Rochers de Naye, but met with no fresh
species except Tephrosia consonaria and Vanessa urtice. The latter,
which seemed to be uncommon, together with Huchloé cardamines,
Lycena alsus, and Nisoniades tages, were on the wing at the highest
point we reached (about 4000 ft.).
29th.—Obtained a specimen of Carterocephalus paniscus at Veytaux,
and the following at Villeneuve in the afternoon by beating some
bushes bordering a very marshy meadow :—Plusia chrysitis, Larentia
viridaria, Eupisteria obliterata, Hypsipetes impluviata, and Eubolia
plumbaria.
30th.—Went to Villeneuve by boat, and walked from there to
Aigle and back (about six miles each way). Lepidoptera were fairly
plentiful near Aigle. I obtained a very good series of Hrebia medusa,
and took two Pupilio podalirius; the latter rather the worse for wear.
We were also able to add the following to ourlist of captures :—
Argynnis selene, Melitew cinwia, M. athalia, Pararge megera, P. egeria,
Hesperia sylvanus (common), and Lycena cyllarus (one).
31st.—Walked to the Bains de 1|’Alliaz, passing through Blonay.
The latter is the most picturesque village of the neighbourhood,
c 2
20 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
though very odoriferous. Took one Colias edusa, female, var. heltce,
one Vanessa antiopa, and another Pararge hiera.
June 1st (Sunday).—A very hot day.
2nd.—Visited St. Gingolph and Bouveret. ‘Terrifically hot, but
fortunately no flies to worry us. Met with no fresh species.
3rd.—Caught in a storm at Blonay. Vanessa cardui was common
between that place and Montreux.
4th.—A dull day with clouds low down over the mountains. Went
up above Caux to get a few roots of plants, such as gentian, &c.
Total entomological bag, one Hrastria deceptoria.
5th.—Paid another visit to Aigle, going over much the same
ground as before. Caught another Papilio podalirius in very fair
condition, and a good series of Aporia crategi (males), evidently just
out. Epinephele hyperanthus, Polyommatus dorilis, and Zygena trifolit
met with for the first time.
Thus ended a very delightfal and successful holiday. It will be
observed that we attempted no night work. This was partly because
we were generally quite ready for bed by the time supper was over,
and partly because there was nothing to be got within reasonable
distance. We saw no moths around the numerous electric lamps after
dark.—Pumr J. Barraup; Bushey Heath, Herts.
Lepipoprera in Norru Dorset, 1902. — The earlier part of the
season was one of the worst I have ever experienced. Hast winds and
fogs followed by cold nights and much wet in the early summer made
even the commonest insects scarce. Sugaring was a total failure (not
even Mamestra brassice being attracted) until September, when it began
to be fairly remunerative. I append a list of moths, most of which
were taken at light, sugar, or ivy within a quarter of a mile of my
house, the remainder by beating and dusking. Besides those specially
mentioned, many other commoner species were seen or taken without
any particular note being made of time or place. I should mention I
was away from home from July 28 to Sept. 10, so that many species
were missed. List :—Cherocampa elpenor, July 16. Phragmatobia
(Spilosoma) fuliginosa, May 6. Porthesia auriflua, Sept. 26. Trichiura
crategi, Sept. 21-25. Pecilocampa populi, Noy. 1-80. Malacosoma
(Bombyx) neustria, Sept. 24. Odonestis potatoria, July 16-24. Cilia
glaucata, June 8. Dicranura (Cerura) vinula, June 8-10. Bryophila
perla, July 24. Diloba caruleocephala (males), Oct. 28-28. Leucania
pallens, Sept. 26-27. Hydrecia micacea, Sept. 25. Xylophasia sub-
lustris, Sept. 18. Luperina testacea, Sept. 24-Oct. 10. Mana arcuosa,
July 24. Agrotis puta, Sept. 10-22. A. suffusa, Sept. 12-Oct. 11.
A. saucia, Nov. 15. A. segetum, Oct. 28-30. Noctua plecta, Sept. 10.
N. c-nigrum, Sept. 18-80. N. rubi, Sept. 12-21. N. neglecta Sept, 21.
Amphipyra pyramidea, Sept. 18-21. A. tragopogonis, Sept. 14-21.
Teniocampa gothica, April 2. TY. stabilis, March 16. Orthosia lota,
Oct. 19-Nov. 15. O. macilenta, Oct. 24—Nov. 11. Anchocelis pistacina,
Sept. 23-Nov. 15. d./unosa, Sept. 19-26. <A. litura, Sept. 27—Oct. 138.
Cerastis ligula (spadicea), Oct. 28-Nov. 15. Scopelosoma satellitia,
Oct. 18-Nov. 15. Xanthia aurago, Oct. 24. X. circellaris, Oct. 10-
Nov. 15. Polia flavicincta, Sept. 10-Oct. 17. Miselia oxyacanthe,
Oct. 25-80. Phlogophora meticulosa, Oct. 1-81. Calocampa eaoleta,
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 21
Oct. 13-Nov. 5. Xylina ornithopus, Oct. 17-Nov. 11. X. socia,
Oct. 15-29. Asteroscopus sphinx (P. cassinea), Nov. 28-27. Gonoptera
libatrix, June 3 and Sept. 10. Habrostola triplasia, July 4-10. Plusia
tota, July 5. P. gamma, Nov. 2. Rumia luteolata (crateyata), May 10-
Sept. 20. Hnnomos alniaria (tiliaria), Sept. 21-80. KF. fuscantaria,
Sept. 23. Himera pennaria, Oct. 25-Nov. 2. Biston stataria, March 6.
Amphidasys betularia, Jane 5. Boarmia rhomboidaria, July 28. Zono-
soma annulata, July 10. Asthena luteata, July 10-18. <dAcidalia
remutaria, June 8. Halia wavaria, Sept. 10. Liydia adustata, July 5-
13. Lomaspilis marginata, June 8. Hybernia rupicapraria, March 6.
H1, leucophearia, Feb. 28. H. defoliaria, Nov. 80. Anisopterya escularia,
Feb. 28-March 81. Oporabia dilutata, Oct. 18. Larentia viridaria,
June 3. Melanthia bicolorata, July 18. Melanippe sociata, June 8.
M.montanata, June 8. M. galiata, July 5. Anticlea rubidata, July 4-10.
A. badiata, April 2-May 10. Coremia designata, June 8. Campto-
gramma bilineata, July 138-20. Coremia serrugata, June 8. Phibala-
pterya tersata, July 4-18. Triphosa dubitata, Sept. 18. Hucosmia certata,
May 22-26. Scotosia rhamnata, July 10. Cidaria miata, Sept. 26-
Nov. 5. C. truncata, Sept. 26. C.immanata, Sept. 18-26. C. associata,
July 4-17. Hubolia cervinata, Sept. 23-Oct. 5. Timagra atrata,
July 19. Asa whole, the year was a poor one in regard to the total
number of species and specimens taken, but, notwithstanding, there
were some good captures for the district; amongst the best being
C. elpenor, T’. cratagi, P. populi, H. micacea, A. puta, P. flavicincta,
EF. fuscantaria, A. sphina, X. socia, C. miata, X. aurago, and F. certata.
My friend Mr. C. W. Dale informs me that the two last are now
recorded for the first time in the county ; also that 4. litura, though
commonly taken, is inadvertently omitted from his ‘ Lepidoptera of
Dorsetshire.’ There are several curiosities in the matter of dates
which may be noticed. They are mostly of late occurrences, and
illustrate the abnormal character of the season; amongst others,
G. libatrix, June 83—this I think, by the way, was the only specimen
of any kind taken at sugar up to then; M. neustria, Sept. 24; P.
auriflua, Sept. 26; L. pallens, Sept. 26-27; P. gamma, Noy. 2—all
unworn specimens taken at light, and, in the case of P. auriflua and
L. pallens, apparently just emerged. I might add that, with regard to
our local Rhopalocera, the weather prevented visits being paid to the
haunts of Leucophasia sinapis and Nemeobius lucina, but Melanargia
galatea and Melitea aurinia were found at home. None of the Coliades
were seen, nor did Sphina convolvuli put in an appearance.—JamEs
Doveuas; Sherborne, Dorset.
Cottectine 1x YorksurrE iv 1902.—From Aug. 5th to Sept. 8th
this year I was in different parts of Yorkshire, and made expeditions
to various localities. The first two weeks were cold and damp, but
after that the weather improved, but there was generally a scarcity of
insects, no doubt owing to the wretched apology for a summer that we
have had. The heather was three weeks later than usual in flowering
on the moors. One Colias edusa was met with near Bridlington on
Sept. 5th, a male in perfect condition. I visited the locality again
next day, but could not find another. Melanargia galatea was seen in
three localities within easy distance of York: in one spot I saw over
29, THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
sixty, and netted a dozen of them. Argynnis aglaia was out in several
places in small numbers. Others, seen at times, included Lycana
icarus, L. agestis, Hesperia linea, Vanessa atalanta, V. urtice, Ceno-
nympha pamphilus, Epinephele tanira, Pieris brassicae, P. napi, P. rape,
Zygena filipendula, &c., but no Vanessa io or Kpinephele hyperanthus,
which are usually to be found in some of the places visited. Plusia
gamma was just coming out on the moors with Chareas graminis. The
latter was abundant on Dalby Warren on Sept. Ist, bustling about the
clumps of bracken, in spite of the rain that was falling. A few worn
Anarta myrtilli and one fresh Hypsipetes elutata were kicked up out of
the heather. Larve of A.myrtillt, Macrothylacia rubi, and M. quercus var.
callane were frequent, with a few Saturnia pavonia and some Vanessa
atalanta just pupating. The only dragonfly identified was Sympetrwn
scoticum, which was abundant near the head-waters of the Derwent.
Cicindela campestris was, as usual, common, but I was unable to
find any Carabus nitens where it was plentiful five years ago. Long
walks or cycle-rides over the moors near Whitby, Pickering, and Scar-
borough, and over the wolds between Malton and Driffield, furnished
several species of galls. Salia repens on Dalby Warren seemed to bear
more than usual of the bright red ones, but those of Huwra pentandre
on Salia pentandra were scarce, there being only a few fresh ones to be
found. One I had not seen before was a crimson cup-shaped gall,
arranged in rows along the midrib of the leaves of Spirea filipendula.
The different cells were connected by a solid wall of tissue, and each
one examined was occupied by a fully-formed pupa of a small species
of Hymenoptera, though whether this was the maker-or only a para-
site I cannot say. If the latter, then they had carefully removed all
traces of their hosts. Another one was on Rubus ideus, made by larvee
of a Cecidomyia. Several species of oak-galls were more numerous
than usual in the woods bordering the moors.—Haroup J. Burxi11 ;
79, Cornhill, K.C.
CoLLectinG In THE New Forest.—After many fruitless attempts to
obtain rooms at Brockenhurst, my father and I eventually found our-
selves, on Aug. 1st, at Bank, where we stayed for ten days. I suppose
that nobody will have much to say in favour of the season 1902, for it
has been quite one of the worst I can remember. We had no really
hot weather during the ten days, and rain was frequent. On the
whole, I think that collecting was as good as could be expected, larvae,
at any rate, being plentiful, Among the latter were Smerinthus
ocellatus (a few from crab-apple), Macroglossa fuciformis (two, honey-
suckle), M. bombyliformis (scabious, one), Huchelia jacobee (abundant),
Lithosia aureola (?), Nola cristulalis, Halias prasinana, Orgyia antiqua,
Dasychira pudibunda (common, but small), Psilwra monacha (one full-
grown, from beech). Saturnia carpini (two), Macrothylacia rubi,
Drepana falcataria (two), D. lacertinaria (one), Phalera bucephala,
Clostera reclusa (on dwarf sallow), Stauropus fagi (one), Ptilodontis
palpina (two), Lophopteryx camelina (some full-grown, others quite
small), Notodonta dromedarius (one), N. trepida (one, full-grown), N.
chaonia, N. dodonea, Diphthera orion (eight very small ones fell from one
beat, and other larger ones were taken), T’rachea piniperda (one or two),
Anarta myrtilli, Teniocampa stabilis, Ennomos erosaria, EH. tiliaria,
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS 23
Eurymene dolabraria, Amphidasys betularia, A. prodromaria, Boarmia
consortaria, Tephrosia extersaria (luridata), Pseudoterpna cytisaria (on
genista), Hphyra punctaria and probably EF. porata, EF. pendularia,
Macaria liturata, Bapta taminata, B. temerata, Hupisteria heparata,
Ematurga atomaria, Cidaria psittacata (siderata), The examples since
bred from the last-named are a grand deep colour. A notable absentee
from my list is Acronycta alni, of which species the larve appear to
have been commoner than usual this year, several other collectors
obtaining it.
Turning to the butterflies, Pieris napi was abundant, but very few
P. rape were seen. (Gonepterya rhamni, abundant. <Argynnis (Dryas)
paphia, abundant as usual. A number of var. valesina were seen, but
were mostly in poor condition. KHpinephele ianira, EH. tithonus, and F.
hyperanthus, all common. Canonympha pamphilus, abundant. Satyrus
semele was common on the heaths. Vanessa urtice, common. JV. poly-
chloros was just coming on the wing and was in grand condition.
Several examples were seen on the old treacle patches, and it also
seemed fond of sunning itself on the tree-trunks and palings late in
the afternoon. Limenitis siby/la, plentiful and in poor condition.
Thecla quercus, abundant and fine. Lycena egon, abundant and fine.
Hesperia sylvanus, H, thaumas, both fairly common. A short dumpy
green pupa, taken hanging from a log of wood, proved to be Parurge
egeria,
Day-work and dusking, the latter very bad, produced about seventy
species of moths, among which were the following:— Saruthripus
undulanus (half a dozen, in first-rate condition, beaten from oak and
beech), Gnophria quadra (a few, very worn), Lithosia helveola (two
males), L. griseola and var. stramineola (one of each), Calligenia
miniata (one in a spider’s web), N. strigula, Limacodes testudo (one),
Lasivcampa quercus (males abundant flying over the heather; one
female, at rest on heather, deposited a number of fertile ova), Psilura
monacha, Drepana cultraria, Noctua stigmatica, Heliothis dipsaceus (seen,
but missed after a long chase), Hrastria fuscula, Aventia flexula,
Ennomos erosaria, Cleora glabraria (two fine examples), C. lichenaria
(one, very worn), Pseudoterpna cytisaria, Gnophos obscurata (locally
abundant), Selidosema plumaria (very local, a number of males in first-
rate condition), Kphyra trilinearia, dcidalia trigeminata, Eupisteria
heparata, Macaria liturata, Pachycnemia hippocastanarta (worn), Hmme-
lesia alchemillata (one, at dusk), Melanthia albicillata (very fine), and
Botys lancealis.
Treacle was a decided failure, the following being the only species
noticed: —Nola strigula (two), Gnophria quadra (one), Xylophasia poly-
odon, X. hepatica (worn), Thyatira batis, Gonophora derasa, Amphipyra
pyramidea, Cosmia trapezina, Catocala sponsa and UC. promissa (both just
coming out and not very abundant), Gonoptera libatrix (one), Hypenodes
albistrigalis (?).
A number of species came indoors to light. We found it a good
plan to put the acetylene lamp in the window. The following were
attracted :—Lithosia luridevia (one), Porthesia similis, Lophopteryx
camelina (one), Xylophasia polyodon, Apamea oculea, Caradrina (? blanda),
Triphena interjecta (one), T’. ianthina, Bryophila perla, Selenia illunaria
(males), Hpione apiciaria (one), Boarmia rhomboidaria, Lodis vernaria
24 YTHE ENTOMOLOGIST.
(one), Crocallis elinqguaria, Pseudoterpna cytisaria, Cabera exanthemata,
Acidalia aversata, Melanthia ocellata, Lomaspilis marginata, Abraxas
grossulariata, Botys lancealis, b. ruralis, Scopula prunalis, Nomophila
noctuella, Aphomia sociella, and numerous Micros.
The Odonata noticed were:— Sympetrum striolatum, S. scoticum
(one), Pyrrhosoma nymphula, P. tenellum, Ischnura elegans, Enallagma
cyathigerum, Platyenemia pennipes, Orthetrum caerulescens (abundant),
Calopteryx virgo, Afschna (cyanea ?) and Corduleyaster annulatus.
A number of Coleoptera were taken, but I have only the names of
afew. A dead rabbit in a peculiarly decomposed condition was dis-
covered in Queen’s Bower, and yielded Silpha rugosus, S. sinuatus, S.
littoralis, Necrophorus (2? sp.), Saprinus nitidulus (abundant), various
Histers (not identified), Philolonthus eneus, and Creophilus masillosus.
A specimen of the large Prionius coriarius was taken at treacle, but
was unfortunately minus one of the elytra. Carabus (? catenalatus)
and females of Lucanus cervus also came to treacle. The following
were also taken :—Cicendela campestris (one), Silpha atratus (one),
Athous hemorrhoidalis, Agriotes sobrinus, Aphodius rufipes, Anomala frischi
var., Strangalia armata, Leptura livida, and many others yet to be
determined.—F’. M. B. Carr; care of Rev. A. G. Robertson, M.A.,
The Close, Salisbury.
Nore on tHE Season at CuicHEstTER.— Without doubt the present
year will be remembered in most localities as the worst season for
Lepidoptera on record, and so far as my own experience goes I have
never known such a bad one for collecting. Under such conditions,
erhaps, the record of almost any insects is useful and interesting, and
with this view this note is written. Geometers were especially scarce,
Anticlea rubidata, which appeared first on July 16th, being about one
of the best species seen. On July 17th a Geometra papilionaria was
taken, at rest on a window-sill in the street. During May three or
four larve of Gastropacha quercifolia were found at Apuldram by Mrs.
Fogden. Zeuzera esculi was taken during August. On- Oct. Ist a
male Hugonia autumnaria (alniaria) was secured, seated on a house in
the daytime. Sugaring was quite useless, the only moth worth noting
being Mania maura.—JosErH ANDERSON.
Susurzan Notes, 1902.—Owing to various reasons we were unable
to do much collecting at home during the past season, but, neverthe-
less, although Lee is rapidly becoming a part of London, one or two
unusual species put in an appearance. A few examples of Biston
hirtaria, which seems to be scarce with us, were noticed in April. A
specimen of T’eniocampa instabilis (incerta) was seen as late as May
24th. The first brood of Cyaniris argiolus was not so common as last
year, and apparently about a fortnight later, viz. end of May and
beginning of June. A larva of Lasiocampa quercus was taken in the
garden at the end of May. A male Anthocharis cardamines was seen
on June Ist, in the Eltham Road. A few Smerinthus tilie turned up
in June and July, and the larva of the same species in August. July
produced a few more notable species, the most remarkable being a
fine specimen of Earias chlorana, taken from a paling over which
hangs a willow-tree. This species, I believe, was common here
CAPTURES AND FIELD RFPORTS. 25
many years ago. Single examples of Apamea opiiogramma, Hepialus
humuli (formerly common enough), and Zeuzera esculi were taken;
also Phibalapteryx tersata. I first noticed Mania maura, which is
common with us, on July 15th, and it continued in great abundance
into September. In August Pelurya comitata, Halia vauaria, and a
few Hepialus sylvanus appeared; also the second brood of Cyaniris
argiolus, about the middle of the month. ‘lwo boy-friends, who have
just begun collecting, obtained three larvee of Cerura bifida from
Brockley, which is about four miles from London Bridge. In Septem-
ber several Vanessa io were noticed at Lee and in Greenwich Park.
Among the visitors to treacle in this month were Agrotis suffusa,
Hydrecia micacea, and Catocala nupta.—F. M. B. Carr; The Choris-
ters’ School, The Close, Salisbury.
Norres rrom Romrorp, Hssex.—I have simply done nothing here
this year, except at light, which was fairly productive. That was the
only way I knew whether anything was flying, as the species which
usually come to sugar put in an appearance at light instead. As for
sugar, it was hopeless. Up to the beginning of August not a moth
of any kind. For the first week of August a few Noctua aanthographa.
After that I cannot say what occurred, as I went for a holiday and did
not entomologize much. Since I returned home it is as bad as ever.
Even Anchocelis pistacina is only coming to light. Can anyone explain
this failure of sugar in a particular district? It is so all round here,
and it cannot be the quality of the sugar, as I used the same mixture
a few times at Weymouth, and plenty of moths came to it.—(Rev.)
W. Craxton; Navestock Vicarage, Romford, Oct. 6th, 1902.
Notes rrom THE CuesterR District. — The chief features of the
season 1902 have been a low temperature and a lack, on the whole, of
insects. The only Lepidopteron which could be marked, in my experi-
ence, as plentiful, was Drephos parthentas—in Delamere Forest—in
March, but more especially in the early part of April. Twenty speci-
mens were taken, by day and night, on April 4th. They were found,
after dark, by the aid of a lamp, resting on birch, and one on sallow
bloom. May was chiefly devoted to a search for Anticlea derivata, in
the hope of getting eggs. Night after night we plunged through the
mud-holes of King’s Wood Lane—cold and often rainy the nights
were, and very different from those of last year—but the total sum was
a couple of examples, male and female, and, as the latter had already
deposited her eggs, the result was failure.
There was fine warm weather in June and July, and Delamere
Forest saw us frequently. Cwnonympha davus was scarce, through
over-collecting, in comparison with last year. None of the specimens
Icaptured showed the large spots referred to last season (Hntom. xxxiv.
p. 257), but some are very liberally and clearly spotted. Perhaps the
best is a female, showing a row of pointed spots on the upper surface
of the hind wings near the margins. In one part of the forest
district there is a nice and boldly-marked form of Hmaturga atomaria.
My best capture in this line was a female, the prominent characters
of which are an unusually broad black band near and parallel with the
outer margins of both fore and hind wings, and a dusting, chiefly
26 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
basal, of yellowish scales. Other Delamere captures worth noting are
a female Melanthia albicillata, two Acronycta menyanthidis, and three
good examples of the sooty form of Macaria liturata var. nigrofulvata,
all in July.
Electric lamps, owing to the unsatisfactory weather, were very
much of a failure. About a dozen Dicranwra bifida were captured, but
all were males; a couple of ). furcu/a—males again, and the same
sex was represented in all the black Amphidasys betularia I took. A
few Notodonta dictea turned up—males again; in fact, it is puzzling
why male insects, chiefly, come to the lights. A fine dark Cerigo
matura (cytherea), July 28rd; a Leucoma salicis, Aug. 1st; Habrostola
triplasia, Triphena ianthina, Drepana binaria (hamula), Acidalia incanaria,
and Epione apiciaria—all in August; Nonagria typhe and Hupithecia
centaureata in September, are the best things I gather from my note-
book. One example each of F’. apiciaria and EF. centaureata were females,
and from these I obtained eggs. Those of KH. centawreata were white,
and hatched Sept. 19th. The tiny larve are now feeding on ragwort
flowers. The eggs of FH. apiciaria are reddish, with whitish blotches,
and they will lie over the winter, I suppose, before hatching. Now
and then a big Smerinthus ocellatus, or S. populi, invariably males,
would flop down at the foot of a lamp in June. But the temperature
dropped so about the middle of July that people took to overcoats, and
the lamps became hardly worth working.
By far the most interesting work of the season was a closer
acquaintance with the district larve. Agrotis ashworthii began emerg-
ing from the chrysalis, July 1st. All the imagines were of the usual
stereotyped shade and pattern. The first A. lucernea appeared, July
13th, and in the series bred I got a fine dark specimen, the pale
wing-fringes showing up conspicuously. July 12th one of our party
found a lot of eggs of Macrothylacia rubi in Delamere Forest. They
were laid in clusters on the pendent wire-like blades of cotton-grass.
How a big, heavy, moth-like M. rubi managed to do this is rather
puzzling, but I suppose her weight pulled down the blades, which after-
wards rose again with their burdens. The eggs were entrusted to me.
Many of them were infertile, and the rest hatched July 18th. Since
that date the larve have been forced, and they were all full-grown by
Sept. 14th. They are still eating a little, Oct. 16th. Of course, my
object is to get them to skip the hybernating period and pupate, but
whether I succeed or not seems doubtful. All along I have fed the
larve on sallow, which they evidently like.
The great object of the summer was to see—remembering that the
perfect insects are not rare at the electric lamps—how and in what
numbers the larve of Dicranura bifida and D. furcula could be found
by close searching. D. vinula we saw in all its stages—the russet-
coloured egg, the young caterpillars like black strokes on the sallow
or poplar leaves, and the caterpillars full-grown or nearly so. Froma
single poplar-bush—say a couple of yards wide and forming part of a
hedge—I picked, July 26th, twenty-one for some young friends.
Possibly they formed two separate broods, for about half were in the
final, while the remainder were in the preceding stage. Then there
was Smerinthus ocellatus ; in one afternoon in the middle of August we
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 27
counted seventy larve of this species. ‘here were old acquaintances:
S. populi (plenty of them), Orgyia antiqua, Odonestis potatoria (eggs),
Porthesia similis (awrifiua) (larvee, pupe, imagines and eggs all at the
same time), Acronycta alni off birch (only two, but possibly male and
female), Notodonta dictea (a few), Gonoptera libatrix, Nonagria typhe,
and a caterpillar I have never before met with in the district, although
the moth is common enough at the electric lamps—<A. megacephala.
Both D. bifida and D. furcula were scarce July to September, espe-
cially the first species. Three caterpillars of bifida and seven of furcula
were the totals for each. The bifida were all off poplar, while furcula
favoured both poplar and sallow. There was a good deal of difference
between the caterpillars of each. Both have a pattern along the back
which looks like a purplish dorsal hood and mantle bordered with
yellow. In D. bifida the hood is separated from the mantle; in
D. furcula the two are connected, but amost separated at segment 4.
Then the mantle in furcula is always ornamented with bright russet,
the same tint as on the upper wings of the moth G. libatriz.
In September and October larve of M. liturata, Bupalus piniarta,
and Ellopia prosapiaria (fasciaria) were beaten from Scotch firs in
Delamere Forest. Liturata were not very common. One day, Oct.
4th, I got three, whilst a companion was lucky enough to get nine.
Fasciaria was a common caterpillar; it looks, roughly speaking, very
like 4. betularia. Some of the specimens were marbled with dark
green, others with red. Autumn imagines of Thera vartata were on
the wing. and a good many of their little green pups were beaten out
of the Scotch firs. From these (Oct. 17th) I am getting some very
pretty moths. The only other Delamere Forest larve worth referring
to were those of 4plecta nebulosa, captured on April nights, from which
were reared very representative series of moths, culminating in the
darkest forms.
Among dragonflies I was agreeably surprised, in July, to get Plate-
trum depressum in Delamere Forest. The most important observation
was a second and very general appearance of Ischnwra elegans in the
beginning of August.—J. Arxte; Chester, Oct. 17th, 1902.
Tue Season or 1902.—With regard to rearing Lepidoptera I have
noticed two things during the past season: first, that larve have, as a
rule, taken longer to feed up than usual; and, secondly, that a greater
percentage have died than is generally the case. To take the insects
in something like order, my first imago, from a brood of Sphineg
ligustri, appeared on June 7th, Hyloicus (S.) pinastri (bred from foreign
ova) having emerged on June 2nd. Only one out of seven pupe of
Cherocampa elpenor came through, and that was not a very good speci-
men. It emerged on June Ist, which is three weeks earlier than my
entry for this species in 1901. I found two larve early in September,
and the first of these went down to pupate on September 25th.
Smerinthus ocellatus imagines began to appear on June 18th, which is
over a month later than the first entry for last year. Dilina (S.) tilie
emerged on April 26th and following days, whereas in 1901 the first
did not come out till May 29th. That is all I have done with the
“hawks” this year. The larve of Zygena filipendule were fairly
common at the beginning of July, and the first imago appeared in my
28 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
breeding-cage on July 26th. Some ova of Cinestis (G.) quadra were
sent me in July, and I did not expect the larve to emerge till next
spring. They appeared, however, on August 1st, and though I tried
them with lichen from various trees, none of them ate anything at all,
as far as I could see, and all were dead within a week. ‘The imagines
of Hipocrita (f.)\ jacobee were plentiful here during the latter end of
May and the beginning of June, and I never saw so many larve before
as there were during July. They began to go down on July 22nd.
Wherever ragwort occurred there seemed to be a brood of them, and a
friend of mine, who is a botanist as well as an entomologist, observed a
batch of larve feeding on the greater knapweed. A fine larva of Arctia
caia, which I found crawling on an asphalte path, pupated on June
20th, and the imago appeared on July 12th. I took several females,
and got a great number of ova, which I put down in a bed of nettles,
and I shall examine the larve next spring, if all goes well. On June
20th the first imago of A. villica came out, and on the 23rd a brood of
larvee of HKuproctis (P.) chrysorrhea pupated. The resultant imagines
came out from July 15th till about the first week in August, and I am
very glad to have finished with this obnoxious insect, as I once got
very badly stung when changing the food of the larve. Imagines of
Dasychira pudibunda came through on April 23rd, from pup found in
the autumn of 1901. Tvrichiura crategi is one of the species I have
bred right through this year. The young larve appeared on April
13th, but by the time the last change of skin had taken place, there
were only half a dozen left out of about twenty. Of these only two
attained the perfect state, a male emerging on Aug. 30th, and a female
on Sept. 7th. On June 9th I discovered a batch of larvee of Malaco-
soma (B.) neustria sunning themselves on a blackthorn bush at Bem-
bridge, Isle of Wight, and as I had bred a series last year on apple, I
thought I would take these to see if they differed at all. The result
fully justified the trouble, for the males of this year’s brood are much
darker, and the females much smaller, than last year’s ; in fact, if I had
not bred both from the larva, I should not have taken them for the
same species. The rest of the imagines from my batch of Lastocampa
(B.) quercus larve, bred last year, came through towards the end of
June this year; so that the full history of these is: four larva spun up
on May 16th, 1901, and the imagines emerged from July 12th to 19th;
the rest went on feeding till August, and the moths emerged from June
28th to July 22nd, 1902. Are these latter to be called var. callune ?
They are absolutely identical with the others, and all are, as I have
said, from the same batch of larvee. A fine larva of Gastropacha (1..)
quercifolia, which pupated on June 20th, produced an imago on July
9th. On April 21st an example of each sex of Saturnia pavonia
emerged; they paired immediately, and by the next morning the
female had deposited 252 ova, most of which proved fertile. The
resultant larve appeared on May 31st, and pupated on July 27th.
Several pup of last year’s brood are standing over till next year, as
are also a whole brood of Hndromis versicolor. I reared Drepana lacer-
tinaria and LD. falcataria from ova. The dates for these are: Lacer-
tinaria, larve, June 5th; pupe, July 6th; imagines, July 16th. These
are much larger and lighter in colour than some that were sent me
CAPTURiS AND FIELD REPORTS. 29
recently from Bexley. Falcataria, larve, June 18th; pupex, July 7th ;
imagines, July 17th. These, curiously enough, are smaller and darker
than some sent me from Bexley. A very healthy brood of Dicranura
vinula devoured a great deal of willow from June 25th till July 27th,
when the first one began to spin up. ‘The imagines from last year’s
brood of Pterostoma palpina appeared at intervals between May 14th
and 2Sth, and Lophopteryx camelina between May 28th and June 11th.
Notodonta dromedarius is one of my total failures this year, for the
young larvee which emerged from ova on July 6th entirely refused to
eat. A very good series of N. ziczac, varying nicely in colour, came
out on April 16th and 20th, June 8th, 10th, 21st, and 24th. I was
very successful with the three ‘‘chocolate tips”: Pyge@ra curtula,
larve, June 19th; pupe, July 15th; imagines, July 28th. P. ana-
choreta, larvee, May 1st; pupe, June 19th; imagines, June 30th. P.
pigra, larve, June 25th; pup, July 26th; imagines, Aug. 14th. Among
the Noctux, some fine imagines of Acronycta aceris emerged on June
21st; some larve of Diloba ceruleocephala spun up on July 11th, and
the resultant imagines began to appear on Oct. 29th, and two pupe of
Agrotis puta yielded perfect insects on May 14th and 15th. A batch
of ova of Polia chi hatched on March 28rd, and fed up very well on
whitethorn till May 29th, when the first went down. A fine series of
imagines began to appear on July 16th, with a good range of shades,
but none was dark enough to be referred to the variety olivacea. Some
larvee of Miselia oxyacanthe fed and throve very well till May 28rd,
when they went down, but only two succeeded in pupating, and these
died before the end of July. Only two out of about three dozen larve
of Agriopis aprilina reached the final stage, most of them dying off
when quite small; two fine imagines, however, appeared, one on
Sept. 28th, and the other on Oct. 2nd. A brood of Amphipyra pyra-
midea died off altogether, after feeding up well till June 8th.
Of the Geometre, about fifteen or sixteen larve of H’pione apiciaria
refused to feed at all, and about two dozen Hnnomos erosaria fed up
very well for about a fortnight, after hatching from the eggs on May
19th and following days, but died off before pupation. Out of sixteen
ova of Selenia illunuria, only two reached the imago stage, and out of
about fifty ova of H. fuscantaria only ten imagines appeared, and these
were very small. A fine series of S. ilustraria from last year’s larve
appeared on March 28th and following days, and I was very successful
with H. autumnaria, FE. tiliaria, and E. angularia. The former fed up
well on lime from April 26th till July 15th, and the resultant imagines
began to appear on Aug. 7th. ‘Twenty-six came through, out of
thirty-two ova, and all of them are fine insects. The dates for FH.
tiliaria are: larve, May 9th; pupx, July 3rd; imagines, July 15th;
but though a good many came through, several of them were rather
small, and there was a marked preponderance of males over females.
Ten H. angularia emerged on June 30th and following days, having
pupated on June 10th from larve which hatched on April 14th. I
don’t think I lost a single one of these. A fine lot of larve of Himera
pennaria (twenty-five in number) fed up rapidly and well, and went
down on May 8rd; but not a single one pupated, for, much to my dis-
appointment, when I examined them I found that they had all
30 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’.
shrivelled up and died. Nyssia zonaria was another complete failure.
The majority of the larve entirely disappeared, leaving three at first and
finally one, which also died after becoming almost full grown. This led
me-to suspect that they were cannibals. Out of about fifty larvee of
Amphidasys strataria, Which emerged on May 26th, only eight passed
through to the pupa, the first pupa having appeared on July 17th, and
I strongly suspect these of cannibalistic propensities also. Some fine
black imagines of A. betularia var. doubledayaria emerged on April 29th
and following days. The first few were the blackest, and they gradually
got lighter and lighter, though none were of the normal spotted type.
A female of Melanthia ocellata, obtained by beating on Ranmore,
deposited a number of ova on the way home on July 3rd, and the little
larve appeared on July 5th; but I did not take much trouble about
them, and they all died in a few days. I think that, considering the
season, my moth-rearing during the year may be described as having
been fairly successful.
Altogether, seventy-five species of Heterocera were taken by me
this year, including Lithosia sororcula, Paecilocampa populi, Drepana
cultraria, Plusia chrysitis, Acontia luctuosa, Phytometra viridaria, Eu-
clidia mi, E. glyphica, Acidalia ornata, A. marginepunctata, Bapta teme-
rata, Aspilates ochrearia, Hupithecia oblongata, H. assimilata, . pumilata,
Lobophora viretata, Melanippe rivata, and Cidaria dotata. These have
been taken either while collecting during the day, or by beating, or by
searching the lamp-posts at night; but Iam afraid I have been lazy
with regard to the collecting of the night-flying moths, having done
no sugaring, sallow, or ivy-blossom searching.—F. A. OLpaKkER ;
Parsonage House, Dorking, Nov. 10th, 1902.
SOCIETIES.
EntomotoaicaL Soctety or Lonpon.— November 19th, 1902.—The
Rev. Canon Fowler, M.A., D.Sc., F.L.8., President, in the chair.—
Mr. K. M. Cheeseman, of 63, Railway Street, Durban, Natal, was
elected a Fellow of the Society.—Dr. Sharp, F.R.S., exhibited the
egg-cases made by a beetle of the genus Aspidomorpha (A. puncticosta),
and stated that they had been sent to him by Mr. F. Muir, of Durban,
Natal, where the beetle and the egg-cases are common. He said that
Mr. Muir had observed the manner in which the ease is formed, and
hoped shortly to present a paper to the Society describing this, and
the anatomical structures involved.—Dr. Norman H. Joy exhibited a
well-marked aberration of a female Lycena icarus striped black on the
under side in the place of the usual. ocellations; an androgynous
specimen of the same species; an aberration of a male Lycena bellargus,
similarly striped on the under side; a specimen of Lycena argiades
taken in 1885 near Bournemouth; and specimens of Apatura iris from
the neighbourhood of Reading, captured in 1901. Describing the
habits of the latter species, he said that with Mr. Lee he took alto-
gether fourteen specimens, all males, eleven of them from the three
St
SOCIETIES. aii
top branches on the north side of a beech tree, which appeared to be
the throne of the ruling ‘‘ Emperor ”’ of the wood. Whenever another
tris came by, the one on the ‘‘ throne”’ attacked it, and after a fight
in which one would eventually pursue the other out of sight, the
conqueror would return to the perch. If this was captured, the next
iris coming along would take possession of the throne, and so on.—
Mr. Claude Morley exhibited the specimen of Diastictus vulneratus,
Sturm., first recorded in Great Britain in the current number of the
‘ Entomologists’ Monthly Magazine,’ and a rare blue form of Phratora
vitelling, taken on low herbs, from Tuddenham Fen, Suffolk. — Mr.
G. C. Champion exhibited specimens of Nanophyes duriewi, Lucas, a
beetle from Central Spain, with drawings of the larva, pupa, and
perfect insect. — Professor K. B. Poulton, F.R.S., stated that Mr.
A. H. Church, M.A., of Jesus College, Oxford, had observed the larve
of a species of Cucullia (probably C. verbasci) feeding upon Buddleia
globosa, which was growing against a wall in the Oxford Botanical
Gardens. Mr. Church had sent shoots of the same plant to a friend
at Warwick, and these, when grown in a similar position in his garden,
were all attacked by the same species during the past summer (1902).
It is possible that the eggs are laid upon the Buddleia because of the
very rough general resemblance in certain respects between its leaves
and those of Verbuscum, in the same manner, as the speaker suggested
in 1887, that the common food-plants of Smerinthus ocellata, viz. apple
and sallow, may be explained by the parent moth having mistaken the
one for the other (Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1887, p.314). In Section 11
of the memoir cited, it is shown that many young larve, on emergence
from the egg, are able to feed upon strange species of plants, which
later they would refuse if they had become specialized to one of the
recognized food-plants.—Mr. H. Goss said that larve of Cherocampa
elpenor found on an American balsam near Weybridge had afterwards
refused their usual food, Hpilobium hirsutum; and Mr. R. McLachlan,
F.R.S., mentioned the case of Mamestra persicaria, a pest in his garden
at Lewisham, which as a rule attacked first and most Anemone japonica.
He had this year offered them fern and elder (which is reputed a
favourite food), but the larve found upon the anemone refused to
touch either of the plants.—Professor Poulton expressed his opinion
that unusual food-plants must commonly be begun from the egg, and
as an example quoted the case of Phalera bucephala, which, found half-
grown on hazel, refused to touch elm and Salix triandra, there being
with this as with other species evidently some sort of gastric associa-
tion between the larva and its food-plant. He also read a communica-
tion from Mr. G. F. Leigh, of Durban, Natal, relating to insect
enemies there. The writer referred to the ordinary and very common
grey South African rat, as one of the most dreadful pests to breeders
of butterflies and moths. They seemed to be fond of almost any
pup, and thick wooden boxes containing them were eaten right
through, and the contents devoured. ‘They especially affected Chero-
campa eson and C. neriit. Iiven more remarkable was the way in
which they captured moths on the wing whilst feeding. A rat would
leap from the roof right on to the plant, and more often than not the
moth selected for attack was captured, usually followed by a fight
32 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
amongst the rats over the prize. The moths caught in this way were
Sphina convolvuli, Nephele variegata, Charocampa eson, and C.celerio. The
first-named is the most successful in escaping, owing to the long pro-
boscis which compels it to hover at some distance from the blossom.
N. vartegata is probably the swiftest flier, but is more conspicuous
owing to its dark colour. Bats were also very destructive of South-
African insect-life.
December 3rd.—The President in the chair.—Mr. Philip J. Barraud,
Bushey Heath, Herts; Mr. William E. Butler, Hayling House, Oxford
Road, Reading ; and Dr. Malcolm Cameron, R.N., H.M.S. ‘ Harrier,’
Mediterranean Station, were elected Fellows of the Society.—Mr. H.
W. Andrews exhibited a male specimen of Therioplectes /uridus, from
Chattenden, July, 1902. Females of this species have been taken at
Nethy Bridge, N.B., in 1900, by Colonel Yerbury, but there appears to
be no record of the capture of the male. He also exhibited a male
Platychirus sticticus, and a female Microdon devius from Eltham and
Shoreham (Kent), respectively, and three small dark examples of
Syrphus balteatus, taken near Brockenhurst, where the form was not
uncommon, in October, 1902.—Mr. M. Burr exhibited two species of
Phyllium from Ceylon, sent by Mr. Green, P. biveulatum, Gray (=eru-
rifolium, Hann., and scythe, Gray), and P. athanysus, Westw.—Mr. A.
J. Chitty exhibited a box of insects, taken between Sept. 22nd and
Oct. 7th last, from a decayed fence or hedge made of different kinds
of wood, with the bark lefton. The uprights of the hedge were chiefly
of birch. The exhibit comprised about a hundred species, of which
seventy-nine or eighty were Coleoptera. Four species of beetles, viz.
two species of Poyonocheros, the scarce Microcephalus albinus, and the
extremely rare ZVvropideres niveirostris, mimicked the surroundings of
lichen-covered bark, and one, Acal/es tribatus, resembled buds. Of the
rest, there were five species of Dromius ; Anisoxya fuscula, Ul,, Orchesia
minor, Clinvcara tetramera, Thoms., and T'etratoma ancora. A discussion
followed, m which the President, Professor E. B. Poulton, and others
took part.—Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a hybrid Selenia bilunaria x S.
tetralunaria, together with spring and summer examples of both
species for comparison. The hybrid presented some of the markings
of each of its parents, the crescentic blotch at the apex of the fore
wings, and the band on the hind wings, closely following tetralunaria,
but no trace of the dark spot usually so distinct on each of the wings
of that species, especially in the summer emergence, was visible, while
the ‘second line” of the fore wings closely followed bilunaria. In
colour it more nearly resembled that of the summer brood of tetra-
lunarta.—Mr. G. C. Champion read a paper on Nanophyes durteuit,—
At a Special General Meeting, held the same evening, the proposed
amendments to the bye-laws were considered and adopted by resolution.
—H. Rowtanp Brown. Hon. Sec.
THE EN'TOMOLOGIST
Vou. XXXVI] FEBRUARY. 1908.
ATTITUDE OF HYBERNATING WASP.
By F. W. Frouaws, M.B.O.U., F.E.S.
Jai, dh Hie. 2.
Tue remarkable attitude assumed by wasps during hyber-
nation appears to have escaped the notice of entomologists, at
least I am unable to find any reference to it, excepting the
following short note in Westwood’s ‘Introduction,’ published
sixty-three years ago. In vol. li. p. 247, allusion is made to the
susceptibility of wasps to the cold, where it states: ‘1 have
observed a wasp on a frosty morning in October hanging
suspended by its jaws to a curtain, with its wings closely folded
up between its legs and upon its breast’’; excepting the last
part of the observation, which should read abdomen instead of
breast, it fairly describes a hybernating wasp.
On Dec. 12th last I had occasion to take down a picture from
the wall of my bedroom, and noticed on the back, which was of
cardboard, a wasp which at first appeared to be wingless, and
ENTOM.—FEBRUARY, 19038. D
34 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
sticking to it as if dead. Upon closer examination I was
surprised to find its wings neatly folded up passing over the
base of its hind legs and then under, with their ends pressing
and lying flat on the cardboard, the hind legs stretched out
and resting along the side of the abdomen, the latter being
curved with the extremity on the cardboard between the apices
of the wings; the other two pairs of legs were folded up with
the tarsi crossed under the body; the antenne closely packed
away under the neck and covered with a shining substance
apparently excreted from its mouth. I was at first unable to
account for the way it was attached to the cardboard, but on
carefully examining its jaws I found the ends were firmly fixed
into the cardboard, which it had previously gnawed, causing a
small portion to become jagged, giving it a firmer grip. Upon
turning the picture upside down and giving it a list, the body
came slightly away from the backing, but it remained rigidly
fixed by its jaws. I then placed the picture aside for a few
days, and on Dec. 26th I again examined it, and found it had
not moved in any way, so made the two accompanying drawings.
After making fig. 1, which represents it as described, I had to
remove it to make fig. 2, of the ventral surface, to show the
position of the wings, legs, and antenne. In removing it I had
to forcibly pull it off the cardboard; in doing so, it tore away
with its jaws the small piece they had gripped.
The only movement I have noticed has been a slight pulsation
of the abdomen, although it has remained in a box on a mantel-
piece above a fire daily burning for a month.
There can be but little doubt that the wings are folded away,
and also the legs and antennz, during hybernation to protect
them from injury, which they would be subjected to from the
attacks of mice, beetles, &c., if exposed in the normal position
of a wasp while resting when not hybernating.
January, 1903.
ON A METHOD OF PRESERVING THE COLOUR OF
THE AGRIONINA.
By Srantey W. Kemp, F.E.S.
Aut collectors of dragonflies must have deplored the way the
colour of the small blue and red Agrionide disappears on drying.
Kvisceration which, with care, yields good results in the case of
the larger forms, is impossible with these delicate little species.
The loss of colour is especially annoying, as the species are,
in some cases, distinguished by the markings of the second
abdominal segment.
PRESERVING THE COLOUR OF THE AGRIONINA. 35
There is, however, a method, which has been tried by Mr.
F. W. Terry and myself, which answers remarkably well in
most cases, though it has its drawbacks. It will be found useful
for the genera Platycnemis, Erythromma, Pyrrhosoma, Ischnura,
Agrion, and Enallagma.
The process of preparing for the cabinet is of course rendered
more tedious, but will, I think, repay the extra trouble expended
on it.
The insects should be killed in the usual way by cyanide, &e.,
and as soon as dead should be pinned on a narrow piece of cork
about an inch and a half wide and eight or nine inches long.
The legs should be set out, but not the wings; about a dozen
Specimens can be pinned out on one piece of cork. The cork,
with insects, should now be placed in a wide-mouthed jar full of
spirit (methylated is quite good enough) and securely stoppered.
After about a month they may be taken out and allowed to dry;
the spirit on the wings should be absorbed by blotting-paper, as
otherwise they are liable to become clouded. The wings may
now be relaxed by touching the joints with wood-naphtha on a
camel-hair brush, and the insect set. Care should be taken that
the joint itself is relaxed and the wing not bent above the joint.
The legs must be set before the insect is put into the spirit, as
it is impossible to relax them afterwards.
By this process the blue colour of the Agrions is very well
preserved ; if anything, it turns slightly whiter. The colour of
the thorax is also good, and Ischnura elegans var. rufescens turns
out splendidly.
This method cannot be recommended for immature speci-
mens, as the body almost invariably curls and buckles on being
taken out of the spirit. Another disadvantage is the tendency
which the wings have to become a little cloudy ; but this cannot
be seen when the insects are arranged in a cabinet-drawer
against a white background.
80, Oxford Gardens, Notting Hill, W.
[We have examined several specimens of Agrion mercuriale
and Enallagma cyathigerum thus prepared, and, judging from
them, it seems certain that anyone who will take the necessary
trouble will, by using Mr. Kemp’s method, at last be able to
become the possessor of well-coloured series of the Agrionine.
It would appear that the spirit effectually dries the insects, and
at the same time prevents decomposition.—W. J. L.|
36 YHE ENTOMOLOGIST.
THE LARVA OF LIPHYRA BRASSOLIS, Westw.
By T. A. Cuapman, M.D.
Ir is necessary to note that an error has occurred in this
matter in my short paper in the last volume of the ‘ Entomo-
logist’ (vol. xxxv. p. 225). Mr. Dod writes to the Editor that
the larva described as the young larva of L. brassolis belongs to
another species, and is not that of brassolis at all. It matters
little to explain how Mr. Dod came to enclose this larva with the
L. brassolis without knowing he had done so; how Mr. South
took it to be the young larva of L. brassolis, and handed it to me
with the definite statement it was so; or how I detected nothing
incongruous in the information. What this larva really is, Mr.
Dod does not inform us as yet, beyond that it is that of a moth,
and lives with ants.
The larva has a facies that would agree well enough with
Lycena, more so, indeed, than the full-grown larva of L. brassolis
has. It has ‘‘macro” prolegs, and is therefore a butterfly, a
““macro”’ or a relative of the Limacodid-Zygena group ; that it
is the latter seems most probable.
The curious prolegs of the large larva of L. brassolis are, of
course, as described, and all that requires altering in what I
have said about them that is erroneous, is in seeing their
immediate evolution from the form in this moth larva; this may
be their evolution, or it may be something very different. It
remains true, however, that they present a pseudo-micro form
developed from a fully evolved macro-proleg.
For the rest, it will be better to await further facts and
materials before saying more, except that I have kept silence
for some time, intending to say nothing till these arrived, but
have finally concluded that this note is perhaps desirable.
Betula, Reigate: January 2nd, 1903.
ON THE BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN EQUATORIAL
AFRICA BY -CAPTAIN CLEMENT SYKES.
By Emity Mary Sarre.
(Continued from p. 8.)
Family PariLionipZ.
165. Paprinio pHoRcAs, Cram.—a, 3. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
166. P. meRopr, Cram.—a, 3. March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900.
167. P. poLiceNEs, Cram.—a, b. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN EQUATORIAL AFRICA. 37
168. P. pynapEs, Fabr.—a, 3. Lamogi; November, 1899.
169. P. mENEsTHEUS, Drury.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900.
170. P. pEmopocus, Hsp.—a, b. Unyoro; March, 1900.
171. P. ningvs, Linn.—a, b, 3. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
172. P. Brontes, Godm. —a;b, 3. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
173. P. macxinnont, H. M. Sharpe.—a. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
174. P. stmruis, Cram.—a, b. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
Family Hresprripa.
175. RHOPALOCAMPTA FORESTAN (Cram.).—a. Wadelai; Janu-
ary-March, 1900. b. Unyoro; March, 1900.
176. R. untcotor (Mab.).—a, b. Unyoro; March, 1900.
177. CAPRONA ADELICA, Karsch.—a. Wadelai; J anuary-March,
1900. 0b. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
178. Hesperia mMacnacoana (Butl.).—a, b. Lamogi; November,
1899.
179. KEDESTES FENESTRATUS (Butl.).—a. Lamogi; November,
1899.
180. K. wanLenarent (Trimen). — a. Wadelai; January—
March, 1900.
181. Papraona ZENO (T'rimen). — a, b. March from Usoga to
Nandi ; April, 1900.
182. Baorts inconspicua (Bert.).— a. Lamogi; November,
1899. b. Wadelai; January-March, 1900.
188. Eaeris Lucetia (Hewits.).—a. Unyoro; March, 1900.
184. SaraNGesa ELIMINATA, Holl.—a. Unyoro; March, 1900.
185. S. mornzi(Wallgr.).—a. Wadelai; January-March, 1900.
186. Ereris tuGEns (Rogenh.).—a. Wadelai; January-March,
1900. b,c. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
187. CELHNORHINUS GALENUS (Iabr.). — a. Unyoro; March,
1900.
188. Ceratricuta FLAVA, Hewits. — a. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
HETEROCERA.
Family SpHinaip”.
189. NEPHELE RAFFRAYI (Oberth.).—a. Wadelai ; January—
March, 1900. ~
190. CumRocAMPA BALSAMINE, Walk.—a. Wadelai; January-
March, 1900.
38 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
191. C. Eson (Cram.).—a. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
Family Noctvrpm.
192. SpHINGOMORPHA MONTEIRONIS, Butl.—a. Wadelai; Janu-
ary—March, 1900. b. Unyoro; March, 1900.
193. AcH@maA CATILLA, Guen.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
194. Paruna waLKert, Butl_—a. March from Usoga to Nandi ;
April, 1900. ;
195. CyLIGRAMMA RUDILINEA, Walk.—a. Unyoro; March, 1900.
196. EnroMoGRaAmMMa PaRDUS, Guen.—a. Wadelai ; January—
March, 1900.
197. E. niaricers (Walk.). — a. Wadelai; January-March,
1900.
198. Lrocyma sp.—a. Wadelai; January-March, 1900.
199. PuEcoprera sp.—a. Wadelai; January-March, 1900.
200. BomoLocHA ABYSSINIALIS (Guen.).— a. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
901. Taniopyeia syivina (Stoll.).—a. Unyoro; March, 1900.
902. CUuRUBASA LANCEOLATA (Walk ).—a, b. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
Family Limacopiwam.
203. Tampa prasina, Butl.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
204. Narapa sp.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi; April,
1900.
Family SaBaLIADA.
205. Sapauia sacksont (H. M. Sharpe).—a. March from Usoga
to Nandi; April, 1900.
Family ARBELID&.
206. MrrarseLa sp.—a, b. Unyoro; March, 1900. c. March
from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
Family CHRysoPOLOMIDE.
207. CurysopoLoma sp. -—— a. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
Family Notopontipm.
908. Zana spurcata (Walk.).—a. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
Family Hypsipm.
209. ARGINA ASTREA (Drury).—a. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN EQUATORIAL AFRICA. 39
Family Lymantriapm.
210. OLAPA FLABELLARIA (F'abr.).— a. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
211. CropERA ADspERSA, Herr.-Sch.—a. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
Family Zyamnipm.
212. ArniocEra sp.—a, b. March from Usoga to Nandi; April,
1900.
Family ArctiaDm™.
213. Dracrista ? RHODESIANA, Hampson, Cat. Lepid. Phalene,
vol. iil. p. 296, pl. xlv. fig. 24, 1901. — a. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
214. D. curvininea (Walk.), Hampson, t.¢. p. 275.—a. March
from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
215. D. macunosa (Stoll.), Hampson, t. c. p. 276.—a. Unyoro ;
March, 1900.
216. D.? Fuavicosta (Hampson), t.c. p. 322, pl. xlvi. fig. 21.—
a, b. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
217. Srcusio srricata, Walk., Hampson, t.c. p. 491, fig.
219.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
Family Lirnosrp.
218. Urerueisa PULCHELLA (Linn.).—a. Wadelai; January—
March, 1900.
Family AGaRIstipm.
919. XANTHOSPILOPTERYX POGGEI (Dewitz), Hampson, ¢. c.
p. 562.—a, b. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
These specimens do not quite agree with the typical form of
X. poggei, the transverse band on the primaries being almost
obsolete.
920. X. HORNEMANNI (Druce), Hampson, t.c. p.572.—a. March
from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
221. X. Mons-LUNENSIS, Hamps., t.c. p. 570, pl. liu. fig. 10.—
a. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
229. Rotuia BuTLERI (Walk.), Hampson, t.c. p. 576, pl. lin.
fig. 18.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi; April, 1900.
993. AXGOCERA RECTILINEA, Boisd., Hampson, t.c. p. 596.—
a, b. Wadelai; January-March, 1900. c,d. Unyoro; March, 1900.
Family Gromurripm.
924. Aucis acacrania, Boisd.—a. March from Usoga to Nandi;
April, 1900.
225. GoNopELA macuLosa, Warr.—a, b. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
40 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
NEUROPTERA.
Family MyrMeLeonip™.
226. Paupares sp.—a, b. March from Usoga to Nandi; April,
1900.
ORTHOPTERA.
Family Cicapip™.
227. PLATYPLEURA CoNnFUSA, Karsch.—a. March from Usoga to
Nandi; April, 1900.
NEW SPECIES OF INDIAN CHRYSIDIDA.
By Masor C. G. Nursz, Indian Staff Corps.
(Continued from p. 12.)
CHRYSIS AUTOCRATA, 0. sp.
2. Stoutly built; frontal cavity finely, head and thorax some-
what irregularly, the latter coarsely punctured, abdomen, especially
2nd and 8rd segments, more regularly and finely punctured; pronotum
distinctly narrower at base than at apex, its shoulders slightly rounded,
and having a median longitudinal impressed line at base; 2nd and
8rd abdominal segments distinctly carinated, 38rd segment without
subapical fovere, quadridentate, the inner teeth close together and
blunt, the outer teeth smaller, sharper, and not projecting nearly so
far back as the inner ones. Head, thorax, and 1st abdominal segment
metallic green with blue reflections; 2nd and 8rd segments lighter
green, with a golden or coppery effulgence ; antenne piceous; tarsi
rufo-testaceous; wings hyaline, nervures and tegule brownish testa-
ceous; head, sides of thorax and abdomen, and legs with some sparse
rather long pubescence. Long. 8°5 mm.
Hab. Quetta; two specimens.
CHRYSIS HOGGEI, Nn. sp.
$. Head, thorax, and abdomen of equal width, closely, regularly,
and deeply punctured, the 2nd and 38rd abdominal segments more
finely so than the rest of the body; an impressed median longitudinal
line on pronotum, not reaching its apex; apical abdominal segment
quadridentate, the teeth blunt, with a row of subapical fovee. Dark
metallic bluish green, the scutellum sometimes green with a slight
golden effulgence ; flagellum of antenne dark rufous; all the tarsi
pale testaceous at base, becoming slightly darker at apex; pubescence
white, short, and sparse, except on the front, where it is longer and
thicker; wings hyaline, nervures black, tegule dark blue. Some
specimens are almost entirely dark blue, without any green shade.
Long. 6-7 mm.
Hab. Quetta; a few specimens.
I have named this species after Lieut.-Col. Hogge of my
regiment, as he sent me the first specimen I obtained.
NEW SPECIES OF INDIAN CHRYSIDIDA. 4]
CHRYSIS THALIA, nN. sp.
3 2. Slenderly built, of equal width throughout; head, thorax,
and abdomen closely, regularly, and somewhat finely punctured ; front
concave, very finely rugose ; pronotum with its ‘‘ shoulders”’ rather
sharply angled, and with a median longitudinal indentation at base ;
2nd and 8rd abdominal segments with a trace of a carina; apical
segment quadridentate, the teeth sharp, with a row of deep subapical
fovee. Dark blue, with green and sometimes purple reflections, the
latter especially at the apex of the 2nd abdominal segment; flagellum
of the antennx, and tarsi piceous, the anterior and posterior tarsi
sometimes inclining to testaceous; pubescence greyish and sparse;
white, thicker, and longer on the front; wings clear hyaline, nervures
dark testaceous, tegule dark blue, finely punctured. Long. 6-7 mm.
Hab. Quetta.
This species appears to be near to C. seraxensis, Rad., but is
slightly larger, is cylindrical in shape, and the tarsi are usually
piceous and not rufous.
CHRYSIS QUETTAENSIS, N. sp.
?. Of equal width throughout; head and thorax closely but not
very finely, abdomen more finely and regularly punctured ; front con-
cave, very finely punctured or rugose; head and pronotum subequal,
the latter wider at apex than at base, with a median longitudinal
indentation at base ; 2nd abdominal segment with a trace of a carina,
8rd segment quadridentate, the teeth moderately sharp, with deep
subapical fover. Head and thorax metallic green, the central quadrate
division of the mesonotum, and the sides of the thorax with more or
less blue reflections; abdomen lighter green, with golden and coppery
reflections, especially on the 2nd and 8rd abdominal segments; apex
of 8rd segment deep blue; legs greenish blue; flagellum of antennze
and tarsi reddish black; wings hyaline, nervures very dark testaceous,
almost black, tegule dark blue. Long. 6-8 mm.
Hab. Quetta; common.
CHRYSIS BALUCHA. Ni. Sp.
3. Of equal width throughout; head, thorax, and abdomen
closely, but not very finely punctured; front concave, the sculpturing
hidden by the pubescence ; head and pronotum subequal, the latter
with the “shoulders” rather sharply angled, and with a median
longitudinal indentation at base; 2nd segment with a trace of a carina;
8rd segment quadridentate, the teeth rather sharp, and with deep
subapical fovee. Dark blue, with greenish reflections; flagellum of
antenne and tarsi light rufo-testaceous; wings clear hyaline, nervures
dark testaceous, tegule dark blue. Long. 6-8 mm.
Hab. Quetta; common.
I believe this species to be the male of C. quettaensis above,
but I have no evidence other than that both are very common
at Quetta, are much the same size, and that I obtained only
males of one and females of the other. I think, therefore, that
it is better to keep them apart until better evidence of their
affinity is obtained.
49, THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
CHRYSIS ARRESTANS, Nl. sp.
?. Head and thorax coarsely, abdomen finely punctured; head
and thorax very slightly narrower than abdomen; clypeus emarginate
anteriorly; a well-defined sinuate transverse ridge below anterior
ocellus, and the front below it concave, with sparse white pubescence,
under which is finely punctured; head, viewed from above, nearly
twice the size of pronotum, the latter with a median longitudinal
depression ; 1st abdominal segment almost impunctate in the centre,
2nd segment with a median longitudinal carina, 8rd segment sex-
dentate, the teeth sharp, and with a subapical row of fover. Dark
blue-green, with a purple tint in some lights; the clypeus, mandibles
at base, and scape of the antenue bright metallic green ; mandibles
black in the centre, red at apex; 2nd abdominal segment green at
apex; antenne and tarsi dark red, almost black; wings hyaline,
tegule purple, radial cell.not quite closed. Long. 6 mm.
Hab. Deesa; a single specimen.
CHRYSIS ORIENTALIS (Guér.).
This species, which is common at Deesa, varies very much
both in colour and size. M. du Buysson says, in the Journal of
the Bombay Natural History Society, vol. x., p. 477, that ‘‘le
2° seoment abdominal porte de chaque coté, a sa base, une petite
tache bleu-foncé.”’ This is by no means invariably the case,
and quite half my specimens are without this spot. In length
this species varies from 6°5 to 13 mm., and in expanse from
13 to 24 mm.
ON THE MORPHOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE
AUCHENORRHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA.
By Dr. H. J. Hansen.
(Continued from vol. xxxv. p. 263.)
Or the division of the Auchenorrhyncha into these four
families, which was proposed by Stal with a subtle systematic
insight, but which, as a matter of fact, not a single subsequent
author has accepted, I have now drawn up the numerous
exclusive characters—brought forward in this conspectus—so
that its prevalency may be considered as in some degree proved,
and it ought perhaps to result that in future not many
systematists will arbitrarily erect new families on a basis of a
somewhat peculiar habitus. It is also my conviction that even
in view of the possibility of one or other of these characters not
proving so exclusive as I have thought, in researches upon a con-
siderable exotic material, an extended study of the structure of
these insects will give so many new characters for the same
families, that the loss will be more than compensated for, con-
sequent, of course, upon the supposition that real links, unknown
THE AUCHENORRHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA. 43
to me and so far undescribed, are not discovered. I may, for
example, mention that in the Cercopide, but not in the three
other families, the larve have the abdominal pleural parts very
divergent from the adults ; in the same way the antenne in the
Cercopide undergo a noteworthy change of structure, described
above, by which last-mentioned circumstance this family is dis-
tinguished from the other Auchenorrhyncha. That the larvee of
Stridulantia possess remarkably powerful anterior legs, adapted
for digging, is well known; that, on the other hand, the structure
of their claws is totally different from that of the imagines is a
very peculiar fact not widely esteemed. For the lack of adequate
material I must, meanwhile at least, refrain from dealing further
with metamorphosis in the different families, and be content
with this intimation of its use for systematics.
¥.
The principal difficulty still remains to be dealt with, viz. a
division into sharply characterized groups of these families, of
which the Jasside and Fulgoride have been so notably endowed
by nature with genera and species. Just so easy as division
and characterization of these families have appeared to me, just
so difficult did it appear to effect a dismemberment of the Jasside,
and particularly of the Fulgoride, and that in spite of the fact
that surely not within a single family of insects are there found
such strong differences in habitus, in the form of the head and
prothorax, and in the structure of the wings, as actually in these
two. The material of the Copenhagen Museum, and that of it
that I could dissect for microscopical researches, was, particularly
in the Fulgoridex, too meagre for sharp circumscription of groups.
I will now set forth my opinions, with constant reference to
Stal’s above-mentioned (on p. 28)* proposals in ‘ Hemiptera
Africana.’
1. Stridulantia.—It appears to me very probable that this
family is susceptible of division into good groups. Stal has
scarcely essayed this. The division into two groups, based upon
the flight-organs, by Amyot and Serville, is perhaps a practical
help in identification ; but it is seen to be without scientific value,
as in the first little group there are placed such extremely diverse
genera as Polyneura, Westw., and Cystosoma, Westw. (as well as
the certainly highly interesting Hemidictya, Burm., unknown to
me), separated from forms with which they have far stronger
relationship than mutually with one another.t
2. Cercopide.— Stal’s groups in the ‘ Hemiptera Africana’
* Not translated.—G. W. K.
+ Dr. Hansen wishes me to say that at the time of writing these, he
was not aware of the existence of Distant’s ‘ Monograph of Oriental Cicadide,’
1889-92 (a work scarcely to be found in Denmark), where this family is
divided into two primary groups, based upon the covered or uncovered
(speaking generally) condition of the tympana (p. 3).—G. W. K.
44. THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
appear satisfactory. I cannot make fresh contributions to their
establishment.
3. Jasside.—Stal has the merit of having, in 1866, brought
together again the Membracide and the typical Jasside into one
family. This he divides into seven groups, of which the first six
together practically agree with the family Membracide founded
by Burmeister. The principal qualities, good and bad, of this
division will be discussed now.
Amyot and Serville employed as distinguishing features be-
tween their Conidorsi and Planidorsi the prolongation of the
prothorax backwards over the abdomen, or the absence of this
circumstance. This character appears—especially after a genus
like Tolania, Stal, is discovered—absolutely useless, for this
form, which is throughout akin to Centrotus, must be referred,
according to Amyot and Serville, to the Planidorsi. This Stal
has perceived, and he employs in the ‘ Hemiptera Africana,’ for
the separation of five of the first groups from the ‘‘ Jassida,”’
other characters as well, among which that which is based on the
form of the lateral margins of the head (dilated or not) is the best.
(To be continued.)
MISCELLANEA RHYNCHOTALIA.—No. 6.
By G. W. Kirxatpy, F.E.S.
ONYCHOTRECHUS, gen. nov.
CuoseLy allied to Gerris, subgenus Limnogonus, Stal, and
intermediate between the latter and Hotrechus, Kirkaldy. It
differs from the former by the long posterior claws, and from the
latter by the claws being somewhat post-apical and inserted in
a cleft in the tarsi. Type, O. rhexenor, Kirkaldy.
General appearance of Limnogonus, but duller and more
pubescent. Rostrum reaching to about middle of mesosternum.
Antenne a little shorter than length of body; first segment
shorter than any two others together. The intermediate and
posterior legs each more than twice as long as body. Second
segment of anterior tarsi three times as long as first.
O. RHEXENOR, sp. NOV.
Dull blackish grey with sparse pale yellow pubescence; a median
longitudinal stripe on vertex continued on to anterior lobe of pronotum,
a lateral line on each side of vertex (anterior to the eyes), two lateral
lines on each side on the anterior lobe of pronotum, lateral margins of
sterna—pale flavous with a pink tinge; lateral margins of posterior
lobe of pronotum greyish white. Elytra pale fuscous. Antenne dark
fuscous, first segment paler beneath basally ; legs more or less dark
fuscous, paler beneath. Head beneath and prosterna (except laterally),
FIVE NEW COCCIDA) FROM MEXICO. 45
ambulacra, genital segment, testaceous ; rest of ventral surface blackish
grey. Antenne: first segment twice as long as head, one-third
longer than second, which is one-half longer than third, fourth one-
fourth longer than third. Posterior lobe of pronotum superficially
carinate longitudinally, subtectiform, rounded posteriorly. Anterior
femora scarcely incrassate ; intermediate femora three-sevenths longer
than tibie, which are somewhat more than five times as long as the
subcylindrical tarsi. Second tarsal segment about two and a half
times as long as first, and about twice as long as claw. Posterior legs
of similar proportions. Elytra reaching beyond apex of abdomen.
g. Abdomen beneath: fourth to seventh segments laterally some-
what compressed, medio-longitudinally suleate. Apical margin of
seventh segment roundly but not profoundly emarginate ; eighth a little
longer medianly than seventh; ninth about equal to eighth. Long.
excl. elytr. 5°8 mill. ; lat. max. 1°7 mill.
Hab. South India; Kanara.
I have seen a single male of this interesting form, kindly
communicated to me for examination by Mr. Distant.
FIVE NEW cCOCCIDA FROM MEXICO.
By T. D. A. CockEReEt.u.
MYTILASPIS MIMOSARUM, Ni. Sp.
?. Scale 2 to 3 mm. long, brownish white, narrow, convex,
usually curved; exuvie orange-brown. d scale as usual. Compared
with the next species (M. townsendiana) the scales are larger, and not
so pure white.
?. Adult. Colour (after boiling in KHO) greenish or pale orange,
the anterior end sometimes slightly pinkish. Five groups of cireum-
genital glands; median of 9, anterior laterals 16 to 18, posterior
laterals 9 to 10. Only one pair of distinct lobes, these large and
brownish, rounded, slightly crenulated or entire, separated by an
interval in which are two pointed squames. A pair of pyriform glands
at the base of each median lobe, but quite at the lateral margins, though
the outer one is curved inwards ; second lobe represented by two colour-
less minute lobules, the inner one the larger; after this come a spine
and a pair of large spine-like squames; then two broad and very low
eminences representing the third lobe, the second usually minutely
crenulate ; then a spine and two very large spine-like squames; then
after a considerable interval two or three more spine-like squames, and
three such on the lateral margins of each of the next three segments.
None of the segments have their lateral margins noticeably produced.
Submarginal transverse glands as usual; dorsal glands as usual, not
especially numerous. Anal orifice about opposite the median group of
circumgenital glands, and 138 » distant from tips of median lobes. Skin
minutely striated throughout. Length of the longest squames, 24 p.
?. Second stage. Colour (after boiling) pale yellowish brown ;
one pair of large low lobes; large squames.
46 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Larva.—Rather elongate ; colour (after boiling) pale greenish, with
usually a large brown spot in the region of the mouth; eyes blue;
spines large ; the two caudal lobes look like long-fanged incisor teeth,
but only project above the margin as two very minute nodules.
Hab. Gapotlan, Mexico; crowded on small branches of
Mimosa sp., July 6th (C. H. T. Townsend).
MyrTILAsPIs TOWNSENDIANA, N. Sp.
?. Scale 2 mm. long, convex, narrow, often curved ; white, with
orange-brown exuvie. <¢ scale as usual.
@. Adult. Colour (after boiling in KHO) pale yellowish green ;
the two segments anterior to the terminal portion much produced at
the sides, into rounded lobes directed backwards, these lobes having
many round glands. No cirecumgenital glands, but numerous round
dorsal glands, much as in M. wim; a curved band of these glands on
each side of the anal orifice, simulating a continuous band of circum-
genital glands, but differing by the glands being smaller and not so
close together, irregularly placed. ‘Transverse submarginal glands of
the usual type. Small pyriform marginal glands of the usual type ;
two under each median lobe; two under the first (larger) portion of
second lobe, the first of these small; two very small ones under the
small portion of second lobe; a large one under each half of third
lobe ; four others under projections of the margin beyond. Spines
rather large; squames not large. Lobes striated; median lobes not
far apart, large, rounded, and entire ; second lobes divided into a large
inner and small outer lobule, the inner minutely crenulate on its outer
slope; third and fourth lobes each represented by a couple of low
crenulated processes, those of the fourth much broadest ; one or two
pointed processes on the margin beyond. ‘The margin beyond the
third lobe might be said to be irregularly serrate. Antenne with two
bristles. Anal orifice to tips of median lobes about 114 »; breadth of
median lobes about 12 p.
?. Second stage. Colour (after boiling) pink. Lobes formed as
in adult, but second lobe is low and entire.
Larva.—With two large low lobes, widely separated. Femora
swollen.
Hab. Colima, Mexico; abundant on small branches of
“‘ oarabatillo,” July 18th (C. H. T. Townsend). Easily separated
from M. alba by the narrower scale and entire median lobes.
NEOLECANIUM LEUCHN®, N. Sp.
?. Large and very convex, but not constricted at base; long. 10,
lat. 63, alt.6 mm., varying to long. 84, lat. 7, alt. 64 mm., rather dark
ferruginous, not very shiny, not tuberculate, more or less covered with
small patches of dull white waxy secretion; sides pitted. Legs and
antenne absent. Skin (after boiling) orange-ferruginous, with numer-
ous round or oval gland-pits, mostly rather large, but in places the
skin shows only very minute glands. Skin mottled with brown in a
more or less radiate manner. Anal plates surrounded by a hyaline
area; the plates triangular, with rounded corners, the anterior lateral
FIVE NEW COCCIDA FROM MEXICO. 47
side much longer than the posterior lateral. Mouth-parts small.
Measurements in 4:—Diameter of larger dermal glands, 15 to 83;
anal plate, long. 210, lat. 126.
Larva.—Quite ordinary ; oval; stigmatal spines in threes, one large
and two small; marginal bristles few, simple; last joint of antenna
36 p» long.
Hab. Gapotlan, on Leucena sp., July 7th (C. H. T. Towns-
end). It is preyed upon by some lepidopterous larva. N. leu-
ceneé is closely allied to N. chilopsidis, but the scale is not so
dark, and the skin is different, the larger glands being larger,
and not occupying the same area as the minute ones.
AKERMES COLIMA, 0. Sp.
@. Scale about 5 mm. long, ferruginous or coffee-colour, with a
partial covering of a sort of snuff-coloured tomentum, which also
covers the inside of the gall. They are shrunken, but appear to have
been nearly globular. Anal plates small and corrugated, surrounded
by a dark thickened area. ‘The surface of the scale when seen with a
lens appears dullish ferruginous, minutely marbled and spotted with
black. No sign of any waxy or glassy secretion.
Boiled in KHO, they scarcely colour the liquid; but upon being
placed in very dilute KHO an abundance of a dark madder-red pigment
is given into solution ; in strong KHO this pigment becomes lilac, and
more or less of a blue flocculent precipitate appears. Nitric acid does
not restore the madder-red colour. ‘The insect remains brown after
prolonged boiling. The skin is distinctly tessellated in places, the
tesseree being about 12. diameter. Marginal spines small and taper-
ing (about 18 » long), not numerous, placed in an undulating row.
Some round gland-pits, about 27 » diameter. At least two transverse
bands of spines, these spines numerous and crowded, some as long as
42 4; connected with these bands are patches (about 175 pu diam.) of
very distinct round glands (about 6 » diam.), placed at varying dis-
tances apart. Where the spine-bands reach the lateral margins (appa-
rently in the region of the stigmata), some of the spines are very long
and branched at the end. No legs or antenne found. Tracheal tubes
large, 30 to 90 » diameter.
Hab. Cualata, Colima, July 28th ; in large hollow pyriform
twig-galls (about 18 mm. diam.) on a tree 12 to 20 ft. high
(C. H. T. Townsend). The galls are certainly not’ made by
Coccids ; they are inhabited by ants, but may be lepidopterous
or coleopterous in origin. A. colime is a remarkable species ; it
is to be regretted that the larva is unknown.
Psevupococcus [DactyLopius auctt.] CUALATENSIS, N. sp.
?. Length about 2 mm., entirely covered dorsally with dense
white secretion, very much as in P. pseudonipe (Ckll.); on boiling,
does not stain liquid; after boiling, colour very pale pinkish, legs and
antenne light brown. Labium about 150 » long and 84 broad. Skin
with the usual round glands, and rather numerous minute hairs;
bristles of anal ring about 75 », caudal bristles about 120. Legs
48 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
rather stout and short, with large claws; tibia and tarsus with
numerous bristles; digitules filiform, with minute knobs. Antenne
8-jointed.
Measurements of legs and antenne in p :—
Anterior leg ; length of femur-+ trochanter 198, of tibia 90, of tarsus 51.
Hind leg ; -, o * 225, wu; eee
Anterior leg ; width of femur 69, of tibia 42.
Length of antennal joints: (1.) 89-48, (2.) 86, (3.) 28-30, (4.) 15-18,
(5.) 18-27, (6.) 21-24, (7.) 30-83, (8.) 57-60.
Larva. —In 2, about 580, long, with legs and antenne well
developed; shape ordinary ; antennz 6-jointed, joints measuring in p:
(1.) 24, (2.) 80, (3.) 18, (4.) 16, (5.) 16, (6.) 51.
Hab. Cualata, Colima, July 28th (C. H. T. Townsend).
Quite numerous in the same galls as Akermes colime. P. cuala-
tensis differs from P. pseudonipe in its legs and antenne ; it also
differs from P. nipe (Maskell), especially by the short and stout
legs. The antenne seem invariably 8-jointed, and are rather
after the manner of P. neomexicanus (Tinsley).
Note on the ant associated with Coccide at Cualata.
Some of the ants found at Cualata in the galls with Akermes
colimeé and Pseudococcus cualatensis were referred to Professor
W. M. Wheeler, of the University of Texas, who kindly reports
as follows :—
“The ant is Azteca longiceps. Emery. It agrees perfectly
with EKmery’s figure and brief description of a single dealated
queen from Alajuela, Costa Rica. These ants of the genus
Azteca live regularly in the modified stems of tropical trees in
what is usually regarded as a case of typical symbiosis. The
trees inhabited are mainly of the genus Cecropia, and I suspect
that the cases observed by Prof. Townsend belong to this group
of plants. Emery, in his monograph of the genus Azteca, also
mentions the occurrence of A. depilis in vesicles on the leaves of
Tococa coronata, Benth. Fritz Mueller, Belt, and Emery all
record the occurrence of Coccids with species of Azteca, but they
do not appear to have described the species. You would un-
doubtedly find much material on this subject in Schimper’s
‘Die Wechselbeziehungen zwischen Pflanzen und Ameisen im
tropischen Amerika’” (litt., Oct. 26th, 1902).
It may be added that in Trinidad Paleococcus rose and
Coccus nanus are found in the runs of Azteca chartifex, Forel.
Coccus nanus is the same as Lecaniwm nanum, Ckll., 1896.
ES DYA. @
East Las Vegas, New Mexico, U.S.A.:
Oct. 30th, 1902.
49
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
ABERRATION OF H\NALLAGMA cyATHIGERUM.—As Mr. Lucas was looking
at some of my specimens of H. cyathigerum, he noticed that the black
pterostigma was absent from the left hind wing of a male that was
taken in the New Forest in August last. Hxamination with a lens
shewed that the neuration at the tip of the same wing was also aberrant.
Though the pterostigma is so small, its absence from the wing is very
striking. Dr. Chapman suggests that the cause must be sought for in
an injury received during one of the earlier instars.—S. W. Kemp;
Notting Hill, January, 1903.
Hinara viripis.—A number of years ago I found a new fly in
Jamaica, which Mr. Coquillett in 1895 described as Hilara viridis. The
insect was quite out of the known range of Hilara, and the green
colour was peculiar, but there was no other genus to receive it. Upon
receiving recently Mr. A. L. Melander’s excellent monograph of the
North American Empidide, I became convinced that the fly belonged
to the Mexican and West Indian genus Lamprempis, Wheeler and
Melander, 1901. I accordingly wrote Mr. Melander, who kindly gave
me an example of Lamprempis, which I communicated to Mr. Coquillett,
who now assures me that my opinion is correct. The species will
therefore be Lamprempis viridis (Coq.)—T. D. A. CockERELL.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
Psocrpra at Missenpen, Bucxs.— On Sept. 12th I had a day’s
collecting at King’s Hill, near Great Missenden, Bucks. By beating
in a small wood, which consisted mostly of conifers with a little oak
and ash, I obtained seven species of Psocidia. Of these, the most
striking and at the same time the most abundant species was Cecilius
fuscopterus, Latreille. C. flavidus, Stephens, was common, while a few
C. obsoletus, Steph., were met with. A single Psocus longicornis, F.,
was beaten from oak, and other species were Stenopsocus cructatus,
Linné, Peripsocus pheopterus, Stephens, Elipsocus flaviceps, Steph.—
Srantey V. Kemp, F.E.S.; 80, Oxford Gardens, Notting Hill, W.
Tur Draconruis or Kerinc Forest.—After a prolonged period of
cold winds and cold rains, which greatly retarded the appearance of
dragonflies and restricted their number, towards the end of May the
weather became warm and bright. On the 25th of that month we
made our first capture, a solitary male of Pyrrhosoma nymphula. This
event was followed on 1st June by a female Leptetrwn quadrimaculatum
being taken at rest; the right hind wing was much aborted. On the
same morning we took immature specimens of Ayrion puclla, of both
sexes; we observed pairs i cop. on 22nd June. ILschnura elegans, Anax
imperator, and Libellula depressa were all taken for the first time on
26th June, and several empty nymph-cases of A. imperator were also
found on the same occasion. On 9th July we took, at Walthamstow,
a solitary specimen (female) of Mnallayma cyathigerum; we had considered
ENTOM.—FEBRUARY, 1905. E
50 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
this species, at one time tolerably plentiful, to be locally extinct, for our
last recorded capture in the Epping Forest district was made as long
ago as 10th July, 1887. Sympetrum striolatum was especially late in
appearing, for we did not take that species until 8rd August. S. san-
guineum, usually a common insect in the forest, was not met with at
all. dschna cyanea was first taken on 9th August, but, although we
saw Af. yrandis on one or two occasions, we failed to secure any speci-
mens. We kept under observation that most elusive of insects,
AY. miata, from the second week in September to 5th October, but,
despite our having devoted several entire mornings to its pursuit, it
was not until the day named that we made a capture; the specimen
taken was a female. The following are the latest dates upon which
we took the species mentioned :—P. nymphula, 13th July; J. elegans,
13th July; A. puella, 8rd August; A. cyanea, 8th September ; S. strio-
latum, 19th October.—F RepErIcK Winii1am Campion, Hersert CAMPION.
Oponata in Norrotx.—I was in the Norfolk Broads June 25th to
d1st, and spent a couple of mornings at dragonflies. Orthetrum can-
cellatum was fairly common, both sexes, and I managed to get a few.
Tibellula fulva was also about, and I took nine—five males and four
females. I had to let most of the O. cancellatum go, as I had only a
muslin sleeve for dragonflies. I had not gone out prepared for such
large game, as we were working in the reed-beds, and only when we
were not getting much in the lepidopterous line did I look about for
other things. I caught one or two Aischna grandis. On July 29th I
went down again, and when cutting reeds for pupz of Nonagria canna,
I saw what I believe was 4. isosceles. It settled quite close to me, and
I could make out the markings quite plainly, I had no net with me,
so I tried to grab it, but failed, and it disappeared. I should not like
to record it definitely, as 1 did not actually take it, but I am almost
certain it was the right thing. It was rather late for it, but then the
season was all out of gear, at any rate amongst Lepidoptera.—H. M.
HKpreusten ; Enfield, Middlesex, Dec. 17th, 1902.
Leprporrera at Lieut, &c., In Herrs, 1902.—In accordance with
my annual practice 1 append notes on the Lepidoptera I have met
with in this county during the year. Asa whole the season has not
come up to the average of the last few years. As before, my light-
trap was responsible for the best captures, and the following were new
to my list for this particular locality :—
Smerinthus populi, Notodonta dicteoides (one), Noctua brunnea, Cleo-
ceris viminalis, Cucullia wnbratica, Ellopia prosapiaria (fasciaria), Hury-
mene dolabraria (two), Selenia illustraria var. a@stiva, Pseudoterpna
pruinata (cytisaria), Asthena luteata, Acidalia dilutaria (osseata), Macaria
liturata, Kmmelesia alchemillata, Hupithecia castigata, EK. assimilata, EH.
sobrinata, Aglossa pinguinalis, Scoparia mercurella (frequentella), Cram-
bus geniculeus, Phycita roborella (spissicella), Salebria betula, S. formosa
(four), Hypochalcia ahenella (one), Hurhodope advenella (four), Huzophera
pinguis, Hphestia elutella, Tortria unifascitana, Dictyopteryx laflingiana,
D. bergmanniana, Penthina cynosbana, Spilonota ocellana, S. rosecolana,
Sericoris urticana, Carpocapsa splendidana, Yponomeuta vigintipunctatus,
Y. cagnagellus (cognatella), Phibalocera quercana, Depressaria flavella (litu-
relia), (Hcophora pseudospretella,
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPOR'S. bill
Of those which had occurred here before, the following may be
mentioned :—
Gastropacha (Lasiocampa) quercifolia, Drepana falcula, D. binaria
(hamula), Pterostoma palpina, Aaylia putris, Xylophasia lithouylea (one ;
this species has been scarce for some years), Dipterygia pinastri (scabri-
uscula), Neuronia popularis, Cerigo matura, Luperina cespitis, Miana
fasciuncula, M. bicoloria ( furuncula), Petilampa (M.) arcuosa, Agrotis puta,
A. porphyrea (striguia), Noctua triangulum, Calymnia pyralina, C. diffinis,
Hadena thalassina, Plusia moneta (fairly common), Selenia lunaria, En-
nomos erosaria, Acidalia imitaria, Timandra amataria, Hupithecita sub-
fulvata, EF. pulchellata, FE. subnotata, Cidaria pyraliata, C. associata,
Pelurga comitata, Eubolia plumbaria, Herminia tarsipennalis, H. grisealis,
Pyralis farinalis, Crambus hortuellus, Aphonia sociella, Tortrix heparana,
T. fosterana (adjunctana), Peronea variegana, Penthina betuletana, P.
ochroleucana, Xanthosetia zoegana, and X. hamana,
I tried sugaring in August and September both at Bushey Heath
and Bricket Wood, but it was slow work, captures being few and far
between. The following, among others. were taken :—Asphalia diluta
(common), Agrotis suffusa (both sexes fairly common), Noctua plecta,
Triphena fimbria, Amphipyra pyramidea, Mania maura, Xanthia citrago,
Polia flavicincta, Hadena protea, Catocala nupta, and Hypena rostralis.
At the end of June I had a day’s collecting in the north-west part
of the county, in the chalk district. Lycena bellargus (adonis) males
were fairly plentiful, but only one female fell to my lot. I also took
L. alsus (minima) and Carpocapsa grossana, the latter beaten out of
beech.
I was pleased to find Hesperia thaumas (linea) at the same locality
in August, but only in limited numbers. (Although this is generally
considered to be a common ‘skipper,’’ I have never seen it in abun-
dance anywhere round here). I was rather too early for Hesperia
comma and only saw two males, but Lycena corydon swarmed as usual.
Hubolia limitata (mensuaria) and EF. bipunctaria were also taken.
I am indebted to Mr. Richard South, and also to Mr. C. G. Barrett,
for having named for me some of the more obscure species mentioned
above.—Pume J. Barraup; Bushey Heath, Herts.
Aurumn Notes rrom tHe Satispury Drstricr.—I have been in
Salisbury since about the middle of September, and my notes are from
September 18th to December. With the exception of one or two
evenings at the street-lamps, very little serious collecting has been
done, but the results, I venture to think, on the whole, are satisfactory,
and I eagerly await the summer of 1903 for working the district. To
start with the butterflies: Gonepterya rhamni was common, and was
seen up to the 25th October. Pieris brassicae and P. napi were both
about in September, the last I saw of the former being on October
12th. Vanessa wrtice was common enough, and was seen as late as
the beginning of November. JV. atalanta was also seen up to October
16th. Other butterflies noticed were Hpinephele ianira, Caenonympha
pamphilus, Chrysophanus phlwas, and Lycena icarus, an apparently quite
fresh example of C. phl@as being seen October 8th.
On September 26th I cycled over to Lyndhurst, and spent a very
short time in the New Forest, where I found Dryas (Argynnis) paphia
52 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
and Satyrus semele still out, and also saw Vanessa io. Three species of
dragonflies were noticed :— Sympetrum striolatum, S. scoticum, and
Aischna (? cyanea), the first-named specles also being seen at Salisbury.
I also came across three or four dead grass-snakes, from one of which
I obtained a specimen of the beetle Silpha littoralis.
To return to Salisbury and moths. Treacle was tried in the
garden on several occasions, but it was a failure, Anchocelis pistacina,
Xanthia ferruginea, and Cerastis vaccinii being the only moths attracted.
The ivy in the garden was equally unattractive, Orthosia lota being the
only addition. The street-lamps, however, were very productive,
moths being plentiful on them both by day and night. Species taken
at light :—Pacilocampa populi (a few males), Petasia cassinea (three),
Nonagria typha (one, Oct. 29th), Agrotis suffusa (Oct. 29th), Diloba ceruleo-
cephala (common), Noctua c-nigrum (up to Oct. 29th), Polia favicincta,
Anchocelis pistacina, Orthosia lota, Plusia gamma, Miselia oxyacanthe, Phi-
galia pilosaria (one male, Dec. 1st), Himera pennaria (abundant and very
variable, all males), Hybernia defoliaria, Oporabia dilutata (common),
Cheimatobia brumata (very abundant), Cidaria miata (a few), C. truncata
(or ? immanata) (up to Oct. 24th), Botys ferrugalis (one, Oct. 24th).
Of insects taken by other means Polia flavicincta occurred on walls
up to October 8th, and the following were also noticed :—Bryophila
perla, Anchocelis rufina, Xanthia silago, Hadena protea, Xylina rhizo-
litha, Orgyia antiqua, and Pionea forficalis. Larve were taken of
Sphinx ligustri, Cherocampa porcellus (Oct. 8th), Lasiocampa quercus,
Spilosoma lubricipeda, Lophopteryx camelina (Oct. 26th), Phalera buce-
phala, Acronycta tridens (one), A. psi, Abrostola urtice, Mamestra brassice,
M. persicaria, Amphidasys betularia, Pieris brassicae, and P. rape. The
dates appended show how late many of the species were in one of the
worst seasons for collecting I have ever experienced.—F. M. B. Carr;
The Choir School, The Close, Salisbury.
Leprpoprera In Herrrorpsutre, 1902.—As so many lepidopterists
appear to have met with very poor results during last year, I thought
some remarks on the species which came under my notice in this
county might perhaps be of interest.
In all I have notes on rather more than 220 different species, which
I think is a fairly respectable total.
As has been observed by other writers in this Journal, the best and,
at times, the only way of obtaining perfect insects was by the employ-
ment of light. By this means I obtained about 185 species, some 40
of which were new to my list for this locality (Bushey Heath). The
best captures in this line were :—
Lastiocampa quercifolia, Drepana binaria (hamula), Notodonta dicte-
oides (one), Luperina cespitis, Agrotis porphyrea (strigula), Hadena thalas-
sina, Calymnia pyralina, Plusia moneta, Ellopia prosapiaria ( fasciaria),
Eurymene dolabraria, Selenia lunaria, Asthena luteata, Macaria liturata,
Aglossa pinguinalis, Phycita roborella (spissicella), Salebria betula, S. pru-
nosa, Hypochelia ahenella (one), Hurhodope advenella, Huzophera pinguis,
Ephestia elutella, Tortrix unifasciana (one female dark form), Dictyo-
pteryx leflingiana, D. bergmanniana, Penthina ochroleucana, P. cynos-
bana, Spilonota ocellana, S. rosecolana, Sericoris urticana, Carpocapsa
splendidana, Xanthosetia ze@gana, Yponomeuta vigintipunctatus, Y. cag-
hagellus, Depressaria flavella (liturella).
SOCIETIES. 53
Sugaring was useless until the end of August, but between the 26th
of that month and October 10th I obtained twenty-seven species,
among which were Agrotis puta, A. suffusa, Noctua c-nigrum, Triphena
fimbria, Amphipyra pyramidea, A. tragopogonis, Mania maura, Xanthia
citrago, Hadena protea, Catocala nupta, Hypaena rostralis, Pyralis cos-
talis (all at Bushey Heath); and Asphalia diluta and Polia flavicincta
(at Bricket Wood). Plusia moneta occurred in some numbers at the
end of July in our garden, and we took a fair number at dusk, hover-
ing over larkspur. P. gamma and Oporabia dilutata were quite as
plentiful as usual, if not more so.
I was not able to devote much time to the Rhopalocera, but the
following were noticed in the Tring neighbourhood :—Lycena bellargus
(adonis), males fairly plentiful, one female (June 27th); L. alsus (mi-
nima) (same date); L. corydon, swarms (August); Hesperia thawmas
(linea), five males; H. comma, one male. In the same locality I took
Eubolia mensuraria (limitata), FH. bipunctaria, and Carpocapsa grossana,
the last beaten out of beech. One Vanessa io was seen in our garden
in the summer. Can anyone suggest a reason for the apparent rarity
of this species in more than one locality during the last three or four
years ?—Puinie J. Barraup; Bushey Heath, Herts.
SOCIETIES.
Enromonocicat Society or Lonpon.—January 21st, 1908.—The
Seventieth Annual Meeting. The Rev. Canon Fowler, M.A., D.Sc.,
President, in the chair. After an abstract of the Treasurer's accounts,
showing a satisfactory balance in the Society’s favour, had been read by
the Auditor, Mr. H. Goss, one of the Secretaries, read the Report of the
Couneil. It was then announced that the following had been elected
Officers and Council for the Session 1908-1904 :_-President, Professor
Edward B. Poulton, M.A., D.Se., F.R.S.; Treasurer, Mr. Robert
McLachlan, F.R.S.; Secretaries, Mr. Herbert Goss, F.L.S., and Mr.
Henry Rowland-Brown, M.A.; Librarian, Mr. George C. Champion,
F.Z.S.; andas other Members of Council, Colonel Charles T. Bingham,
F.Z.S8.; Mr. Malcolm Burr, B.A., F.L.5.; Dr. Thomas A. Chapman,
F.Z.S.; Mr. Arthur John Chitty, M.A.; Mr. Hamilton H. C. J. Druce,
F.Z.S.; the Rev. Canon Fowler, M.A., D.Sc., F.L.S.; Professor Raphael
Meldola, F.R.S.; Professor Louis Compton Miall, F.R.S.; the Rev.
Francis D. Morice, M.A.; Dr. David Sharp, M.A., F.R.S. ; Colonel
Charles Swinhoe, M.A., F.L.S.; and Colonel John W. Yerbury, R.A.,
F.Z.S. It was announced that Professor Poulton, the new President,
would appoint the Rev. Dr. Fowler, Professor Meldola, F.R.S., and Dr.
D. Sharp, F.R.S., as Vice-Presidents for the Session 1908-1904. Canon
Fowler, the retiring President, in the first part of his Address, dealt
chiefly with the many facts that have been recently brought forward with
regard to Cryptic Coloration and Mimicry, more especially as affecting
the Order Coleoptera; the facts are indisputable, but the hypotheses
founded upon them are, perhaps, sometimes pressed too far. In the
second part the question of the origin of the Coleoptera was discussed :
54 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
there is no satisfactory evidence of the appearance of the Order in the
Paleozoic period, but the leading families are found in the Lias, as
completely differentiated as at the present time; in fact, many of the
genera and even the species are almost identical with those now living;
the Coleoptera, that is to say, have altered but little from the time at
which they existed side by side with the gigantic extinct Saurians and
the Pterodactyles; the whole question of the origin and history of the
insects generally is of the first importance in the history of evolution.
A vote of thanks to the President was proposed by Professor Poulton,
and seconded by Professor Meldola. The President replied. A vote
of thanks to the Officers was proposed by Professor Meldola, and
seconded by Mr. C. O. Waterhouse. Mr. McLachlan, Mr. Goss, and
Mr. Rowland-Brown replied.—H. Goss, Hon. Sec.
Soura Lonpon Entomotoaican anp Naturat History Socrety.—
November 27th, 1902.—Mr. F. Noad Clark, President, in the chair.—
Mr. IX. J. Hare, Kast Dulwich Grove, S.H., was elected a member.
The meeting was devoted to a special exhibition of notable captures
and varieties, and was, as usual, a very successful gathering. Between
eighty and ninety members and their friends attended, and a large
number of exhibits were made.—Messrs. Harrison and Main exhibited
very varied series of several species of Lepidoptera recently taken in
the Shetland Isles, including Hupithecia nanata, Dianthecia nana (con-
spersa), smoky and dark forms; Noctua festiva var. conflua, and Anarta
melanopa, with normal types for comparison.—Mr. Cant, a pair of the
extremely dark form of Hemerophila abruptaria, taken this year in
Regent’s Park.—Mr. Kaye, long series of Anchocelis lunosa, with the
forms obsoleta, humilis, brunnea, neurodes, and agrotoides ; see Brit. Noct.
ii. 168-170. He had not met with var. rufa, which was said to be
common.—Mr. R. Adkin, examples and series of hybrid Lepidoptera,
and read notes on their life-history : (1) Smerinthus ocellata g Xx Amor-
pha (Smerinthus) populi 2; (2) Selenia bilunaria (illunaria) g Xx Selenia
tetralunavia (illustraria) 2; (8) Pyga@ra pigra (reclusa) @ Xx P. curtula
2; and (4) P. curtula f x P. piyra 9. In the two last series the
female influence was dominant; in the two former cases the characters
of male and female were pretty evenly shared or deleted.—Mr. Car-
penter, specimens of Apatura iris bred from larve he had hybernated,
and on behalf of Mr. Oldaker: (1) Lycena (Polyommatus) icarus, a gyn-
andromorph, left side male, right side female, taken June 14th, 1902.
(2) a male with under side having faint marginal spots, and only one
spot on central area of ashy grey, taken June 7th; both were from
Ranmore Common. (3) amale about the size of an average Lycena
(Cupido) minima. And (4) a var. of Vanessa (Huvanessa) antiopa, bred
from German larve, with no blue spots on upper wings and only one blue
spot on the lower wings.—Mr. Scollick, an example of Vanessa (Aglais)
urtice, with ground colour resembling that of Vanessa (Hugonia) poly-
chloros, and a Plusia chrysitis, with the usually burnished appearance
greatly curtailed on one side.—Mr. Hare, a Strenia clathrata, with
nearly the whole of the lighter markings of the type obliterated, taken
at Marlborough ; and an Mphippiphora obscurana (gallicolana), with the
dorsal blotch suffused with fuscus.—Mr. J. A. Clark, an almost white
var. of Agrotis suffusa, taken in September in South Devon, and two
SOCIETIES. 55
hybrid S. ocellata 3 xX S. populi 2? .—Mr. Lucas, several examples of the
dragonfly, Oxygastra curtisii, from Hants, with nymph-skins from
France; and several specimens of the earwig, Labidura riparia, from
Bournemouth. On behalf of Mr. Ansorge, a series of Agriopis aprilina,
bred from the New Forest, and haying very dark lower wings.—Mr. G.
T. Porritt, the Huddersfield range of forms of Polia chi, from almost
white to dark slate, including the forms olivacea and suffusa.—Mr. Joy,
aberrations of Aphantopus (Hpinephele) hyperanthus, from Folkestone,
mainly showing a tendency to diminution of the eye-spots.—Mr. Main,
on behalf of Mr. Mera, a series of very dark Odontopera bidentata, bred
from Leeds; and a brilliant green example of Mimas (Smerinthus) tilia,
bred in the London district.—Mr. Turner, three forms of Melanippe
montanata taken at Amersham, Bucks, in June: (1) all the marking
obsolete or very faint, except a costal blotch ; (2) asymmetrical, with
the lower half of central band on left fore wing very narrow ; (3) a light
form, showing a darker marginal shade to all the wings. Mr. Russel,
a Pyrameis cardui having apex of fore wings much shortened, with
marking much compressed, but in perfect symmetry, taken at Margate.
—Mr. Hamm, a photograph of a Papilio machaon, bred from Wicken,
with asymmetrical wings and markings; hind wings were elongated
and antenne shorter. A large amount of irregular black suffusion was
present on all four wings.—Mr. Edwards, a case exhibiting some of the
extreme forms of Satyridz as shown in the genera Hetera, Citheronia,
Pierella, and Antirrhea.—Mr. Henderson, series of Xanthia (Citria) ful-
vago (cerago) and Hupithecia teuuiata, bred from sallow catkins in Surrey,
and a well-marked series of H. rectangulata from Berkshire.—Mr. Ray-
ward, pupx of Papilio machaon, showing assimilation in colour to their
surroundings. —Dr. Chapman: (1) forms of Canonympha pamphilus
from France, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, and Spain, illustrating the
variation in marginal colouring, development of ocelli, ground colour,
and general markings, with the extreme form /yllus ; (2) Lycena (Poly-
ommatus) corydon, Swiss forms, corydonius from Spain, and two forms
of hispana from Spain ; (8) Hrebia stygne var. bejarensis, large and more
richly coloured ; (4) Lycena (Plebeius) argus var. bejarensis, much larger
and more brilliantly marked and coloured, suggesting that argus (gon),
zaphyrus, and lycidas are local forms of one species.—Mr. Tonge: (1) Stre-
nia clathrata, black var. from Andover ; (2) Phyllocnistis suffusella, a fine
bred series from Reigate; (8) Lithocolletis quercifoliella, bred from oak
and beech; (4) L. clerkella, dark and some nearly black, with suffused
markings, bred from cocoons found on cherry by Dr. Chapman.—Mr.
Harrison, on behalf of Mr. C. P. Pickett, a large number of aberrations
of British Lycenide, Mimas (Smerinthus) tilie and Angeronta prunaria.
December 11th.—The President in the chair.—Mr. Cowham, of Stoke
Newington, was elected a member.—Mr. South exhibited, for Mr. Arkle,
of Chester: (1) Ematurga atomaria female, having the ground colour
unusually white, and the markings much intensified, with a wide
submarginal black band on all four wings; (2) a series of Canonympha
typhon, from Delamere Forest. The specimens, which were of the
rothlebit form, showed considerable variation in size, number, and
shape of the ocelli on both surfaces, and also in the amount of white
marking on the under side of the hind wings. In two examples the
56 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
ocelli were oval in shape, and their outer edges projected. In another
specimen the ocelli on the under side of the hind wings were large,
especially the two nearest anal angle. The white markings of a
fourth specimen were unusually developed, and consisted of a broad
irregular-edged transverse band reduced to a slender line between
veins 2 and 4, an elongate patch at the base below the costa, and a
curved and tapered streak beneath the discoidal cell extending to the
band. (8) A melanie example of Cymatophora duplaris; (4) Thera
variata, having the central band nearly black, and the rest of the wing
of a light brown ; (5) a melanie dgrotis exrclamationis.—Mr. Ashdown
specimens of the Homopteron Ledra aurita, taken at Mickleham
together with larve from the New Forest. Mr. Turner recorded the
species from Chattenden Woods, and Mr. West from West Wickham.
—Mr. R. Adkin, a specimen of Fuchloé cardamines, having the dis-
coidal spot reduced to a mere speck.—Mr. Goulton, an example of
Catocala nupta from Balham, showing a general darkening in colour.
Dr. Chapman, cocoons of Nudaria murina and Huchromia lethe, showing
the larval hairs similarly made use of, but with different effects, owing
to the cocoon in one ease being slight, while in the other it was dense ;
and the hairs in the former few and long, while in the latter they were
short and abundant.—Mr. Turner, a pair of a large Tarantula sp.? from
Trinidad, together with a species of Automeris from the same place.—
Mr. Kirkaldy gave an account of a tour he had recently made in Italy
and Switzerland, illustrating his remarks with a large number of pho-
tographs.—Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Report Sec.
Birmincuam Enromonocicat Socrery.— November 17th, 1902.—Mr.
G. T. Bethune-Baker, President, in the chair.—Mr. R. C. Bradley
showed a series of Panurgus ursinus, taken at Barmouth this summer ;
also specimens of Catabomba pyrastri and selenitica, one each from
Barmouth, in which the usual colouration of the pale markings on the
abdomen was reversed, those of pyrastri being yellow, and those of
selenitica white; also var. wnicolor of pyrastri, from Moseley. Mr. Wain-
wright suggested that the colours of the spots had been affected in
the killing by sulphur, &c., but Mr. Bradley thought not.—Mr. A. H.
Martineau showed various insects :—Vanessa polychloros from Budleigh
Salterton, South Devon, and Melanargia galatea from Sidmouth ; also
Cerceris arenaria from Budleigh, together with its weevil prey, which
was captured with it; and Tabanus autumnalis, which was taken in the
house at Budleigh. Mr. Wainwright said he had several times seen
Tabani indoors.—Mr. A. D. Imms, Frythromma naias, from Yardley
Wood, a species of dragonfly which seems to be local and not common
in this country, but which Mr. Bradley has already made known from
one local place, Sutton Park; also Sympetrum striolatum, taken in his
own garden at Moseley.—Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, a long series of
Ematurga atomaria, from the hills above Curwen, which showed much
variation in the shape of the wings, in markings and coloration; some of
the females closely approximated to the colour and pattern of the males.
It was remarked that all alike were pale in comparison with our local
ones, especially contrasting with Cannock examples. Some were so pale
that on the wing they looked quite white.—Conpran J. WarnwricHT,
Hon. See.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Von. XXXVI] Met ae ia
MARCH, 1903. [No. 478.
THE EARLIER STAGES OF LYCHNA ARION.
By F. W. Fronawk, M.B.O.U., F.E.S.
Since my last notes on the earlier stages of Lycena arion,
published in the ‘Entomologist,’ vol. xxxil. p. 104 (May, 1899),
I have been yearly endeavouring to solve the mystery which still
surrounds the last stages of the larva. Before dealing with the
slight advances I have gained concerning its economy, I will
describe the larva in its first stage, which I omitted doing in my
previous notes, so that the descriptions of its first four stages
may be complete.
The larva, directly after emergence, is exceedingly small,
measuring only =, in. long; it is rather stout in proportion; the
segmental divisions are deeply defined, and with a longitudinal
dorsal furrow; on the first segment is a large dorsal darkly
coloured disk, and a smaller one on the anal segment. The
colour of the body is pale ochreous yellow, tinged with greenish ;
on the dorsal surface are longitudinal rows of glassy white
serrated hairs, placed in two pairs on each side of each segment
above the spiracles, the dorsal row all curve backwards, the
anterior one on each segment is much the longest, and all have
pedestal-like bases of an olive colour, the subdorsal pair are
both short, the anterior one curving forwards, the posterior one
backwards ; below the spiracle, which is black, are three brownish-
coloured serrated hairs placed in a triangle, all project laterally,
and have dark bases; the central one is very long; below these,
on the first lateral lobe of each segment, is a single simple white
hair, and two other similar ones on the base of each clasper.
The head is of a shining olive-black. The whole surface of the
body is densely sprinkled with blackish points, giving it a rough
appearance, and adding to the appearance of the depth of the
ENTOM.—MARCH, 1903. F
58 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
segmental divisions ; the legs and claspers are similar in colour
to the body.
From observations I made last year concerning the deposition
of the eggs in a natural state, I felt convinced that some con-
nection existed between arion larve and the common yellow ant
(Formica flava) by the preference shown by the butterfly in
selecting the thyme growing on ant-hills for oviposition. There-
fore, the following extracts from my note-book may be of interest,
as they throw some light on the habits of both arion larve and
of the ants.
From July 5th to 17th inclusive found L. arion numerous.
During this period I watched several females depositing, and
on the last day saw four laying their eggs on thyme-blossom
on the top of a hill; the thyme grew in patches among the
short turf (and on the ant-hills), which was composed of the
usual small plants which clothe the surface of the Cornish downs,
and with a few furze-bushes dotted about; but the plants selected
were those growing in the open, and some distance from the
furze-bushes, therefore fully exposed to wind and rain. Under
every patch of thyme visited by the female butterflies I found
ants’ nests. I also saw other females deposit on the thyme
growing on ant-hills, and also on the thyme upon the turf-walls,
where ants are likewise in abundance. Several captured females
deposited on plants potted up during the last three weeks of July.
On Aug. 8th I had larve in four different stages, some only just
hatched, one over the third moult, and others fixed for third
moult, a large number after first and second moults; after
moulting they ate part, and in some cases nearly all, the cast
skins.
On July 29th I found two of the larvex rolling about together
under the thyme blossom; upon close examination I found the
smaller one had seized the larger with its jaws, which were
buried into its side, apparently sucking it. Upon pulling
them apart I placed the victim under the microscope, and found
a deep hole in its side, with the surrounding surface shrunken,
and liquid exuding from the wound. This conclusively proves
the cannibalistic habits of these larve, which I had always sus-
pected, as on previous occasions large numbers of larve had
disappeared in a mysterious manner. I then placed about fifty
larvee on as many sprigs of thyme, so as to keep them separate
and under very close observation.
On Aug. 11th, many having passed their third moult, when
they cease feeding on thyme, I started investigating what relation
there might be between the larve and ants, thinking in all
probability that they might feed either on the larve or pupe of
the latter. I at first selected one of the larve after the second
moult to experiment with, as I found that after the third moult
they do not attack each other ; so that their cannibalistic habits
THE EARLIER STAGES OF LYCASNA ARION. 59
only exist during the first three stages. I supplied this larva
with an ant’s cocoon with one end removed; it at once began
eating it. I then placed them under the low power of the
microscope to carefully watch the proceedings, which were in-
teresting. I watched it feeding on the jelly-like substance of
the pupa, as well as the cocoon, which it ate inthe same manner
as it would a leaf, by biting the edge. It fed for several minutes.
This seemed so far satisfactory, as I thought I had found the
right food for the larve in their subsequent stages, but this
proved not to be the case. Having found a dead arion larva, I
placed it in a box with some ants, which immediately seized hold
of it, apparently intending to kill it. I then put a live larva in
another box with four ants (F. flava), and expected them to treat
it in the same way, but was surprised to find them act quite the
reverse; they all immediately ran to it, and, waving their
antenne over and upon it, at the same time closed their jaws,
and then apparently smelt and licked it, and seemed particularly
attracted to the hinder part of its back, about the tenth segment.
First one and then another of the ants would would run over the
larva, and then stop to lick that part of its back. 1 then noticed
a tiny bead of moisture appear, and one of the ants touched it
with its mouth, which instantly caused the bead to disappear. I
afterwards placed both larva and ants under the microscope,
which at once revealed the cause of attraction, for there on the
tenth segment I found a small elongated transverse gland on the
dorsal surface. I then examined with the microscope another
larva in the same stage while it was feeding, during which opera-
tion the gland is kept throbbing; so I placed the ants close to it,
and soon saw them run over it (of course, under the microscope
only a foot or part of an ant would appear in the field). Directly
a foot touched the gland, or very near it, it immediately
throbbed more violently, and swelled up. It then ejected a
globule of clear white liquid. At the same instant the head of
an ant appeared, and licked up the drop. In a few seconds a
foot again touched the gland, and another bead of liquid oozed
out, which was at once again licked up by an ant. An inter-
esting fact is that the larva unheeded the ants running over and
around it while it kept feeding; but the gland is apparently
extremely sensitive to the touch of an ant’s foot. Although |
have several times touched the glands of several larve with the
point of a very fine sable-hair brush, they would at once wince and
contract, but on no account could I induce the exudation of the
liquid ; but directly an ant’s foot, or the claws of the foot, touched
it a bead would appear, and at once be imbibed by the ants.
Although the larva was kept in a box with numerous ants, both
workers and winged females, together with their pup, the ants
one and all acted precisely similarly ; not one attempted to bite
FQ
60 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
the larva, but as soon as they touched it they slowly closed their
jaws, and waved their antenne over and upon it.
The gland is of peculiar construction, being formed of flexible
tissue, and surrounded by numerous glassy white pyriform pro-
cesses varying in size; some are extremely minute; those bor-
dering the edges of the gland are furnished with excessively
small white bristles, each process bearing four or five; these are
in the form of a fan with diverging points, and all are directed
towards the central aperture, the whole forming a fringe sur-
rounding the gland, and are obviously for the purpose of holding
the bead of liquid in place, and probably also serve as a pro-
tection to this apparently sensitive organ.
The larve appear to be perfectly at home with the ants, as
neither molest each other. In this stage (after third moult), I
have been unable to perceive any attempt at cannibalism among
the larvee, although, as I have pointed out, this habit exists in
the earlier stages.
As I have alluded in these notes to the larva feeding during
the fourth stage, I may mention that I discovered, after trying
over three dozen different plants, a certain food upon which I
induced them to feed for many weeks, during which time they
slowly grew from } to 4 in. in length.
February, 1903.
SPECIES OF THE GENERA EMMELESIA AND EUPI-
THECIA TAKEN IN ROXBURGHSHIRE.
By W. Renton.
Emmelesia affinitata.—Not very common. I have taken it near
Hawick, Minto Woods, Wells Woods, Kelso, and St. Boswell’s; and
have found larvee feeding on the seeds of red campion near Jedburgh,
August.
F.. alchemillata.—Generally abundant throughout the county; the
larvee feeding on the seeds of the stinging nettle (Urtica urens), August
and September.
E. albulata.—Common where it occurs. I have found it by beating
hedgerows; also on grass-banks, woods, and moors. In the locality
of Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, &c. Taken the larvee feeding on seeds of
yellow rattle, July and August.
FE. decolorata.—More or less common over the county in July.
Collected larva from red campion in August.
E. unifasciataa—Much less common than the two last preceding
species. I have taken the imago resting on wire fences on Kirton
Moor, Bellion Moor, in July. The larva is unknown to me.
FE. minorata (ericetata).— Very common on moors and pasture
ground all over the county. This larva is also unknown to me. It is
said to feed on heath; I have, however, found the imago on grass-
ground two to four miles from heath.
THE GENERA EMMELESIA AND EUPITHECIA. 61
Eupithecta venosata:—Rare and local; near Hawick and Minto
Woods, in June and July. I have never bred this species, but always
took specimens in the locality of campions.
E. pulchellata.—One near St. Boswell’s, June 5th, 1901.
FE. subfulvata.—Common in general over the county, resting on
palings and stone walls. Larve common in May and June on yarrow
and milfoil. The imago is on the wing in August and September.
EF. plumbeolata. — Rare in the Duke Woods, near Hawick, and
Muirfield Moss, June and July.
E.. pygmeata.—Common in general where Urtica wrens grows, in
hedgerows, woods, &c. The larve feed on the seeds, July, August, and
September.
E. helveticaria.—Common on junipers, Fallside Moor, June. Larva
August and September.
E. satyrata.—Very common all over the county, June and July.
5 E, castigata.—Another common species in general over the county
uly.
FE. trisignaria.—Common near Hawick, resting on stone walls, dis-
used quarries, and rocks on moors, June and July. I have taken the
larva on wild angelica in August. I never took this species anywhere
except in the neighbourhood of Hawick.
E., fraxinata.—Rare on the banks of the Teviot from Hawick to
Kelso, June. Larva unknown to me.
E. indigata.—Common in all the Scotch-fir woods, June and July.
Second brood in September.
F. nanata.—Another common species on moors from May to August.
H. vulgata.—Common outside of woods from May to July. In
general over the county; bred this species from willow.
FE. minutata.—A rather common species on Kirton Moor, near the
Fox Cover, the only locality in which I have taken it; June and July.
E. assimilataa—Common in gardens throughout the summer. I
have reared the imago from larve collected on black currant and
gooseberry.
E., tenuiata.—Local in Wells Woods and Minto Woods, July ; taken
the larve from sallow catkins, April.
E. lariciata.—More or less common in woods, June and July.
E. abbreviataa—Common some seasons at sallows, April and May.
I have bred this species from blackthorn.
FE. exiguata.—Common generally among thorn, May, June, and
July. Larve on whitethorn in August.
E. sobrinata.—Larva common on junipers, Fallside Moor, June. I
have bred them from blackthorn when my food-plant got too dry and
old. ‘This species is variable.
E. togata.—Very local and rare in fir-woods, Hawick, Kelso, and
Jedburgh, in June, on the trunks or palings around the wood.
E. coronata.—Rare in Wells Woods, June. This is the only
locality where I have taken the species in Roxburghshire.
E. rectangulata.—Local in gardens and hedgerows, June and July.
Collected larve in May from apple-blossom.
Deanbrae, Hawick.
62 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW SPECIES OF CLYTHRIDA
(PHYTOPHAGOUS COLEOPTERA).
By Martin Jacopy.
Tue following species, which are contained in my collection,
and for the greater part belonging to the genus Melitonoma, Iam
unable to refer to any of those described by Lacordaire or since.
The species are very difficult to separate, of nearly uniform
colouration, and very variable, so that structural differences are
the only reliable guard with the position of the elytral spots in
connection.
MB&LITONOMA TERMINATA, Sp. N.
Black ; thorax fulvous, extremely finely and closely punctured, the
base with a black band; elytra more distinctly and very closely punc-
tured, fulvous, a spot on the shoulders, two placed transversely at
ie gee, a transverse band near the apex, and the apical margins
ack.
Var.—Thorax entirely fulvous. Length, 6 mill.
Hab. Bar el Salaam, East Africa.
Of cylindrical shape; the head black, impunctate, the vertex con-
vex, the lower portion finely strigose, anterior margin of the clypeus
nearly straight, labrum black; antenne extending to the base of the
thorax, black, the lower three joints fulvous; thorax strongly trans-
verse, narrowed at the sides, the latter rounded, as well as the posterior
angles, the surface extremely closely and finely punctured throughout,
the basal margin rather broadly produced at the middle, the dise
fulvous, the base with a transverse black band, which sends off up-
wards at each side a short branch ; scutellum black ; elytra extremely
closely and more strongly punctured than the thorax, fulvous, the
shoulders with one, the middle with two spots placed transversely,
another transverse band below the middle, the margins of which are
strongly sinuate, and the extreme apex of each elytron black; under
side and legs black, or the tibiew and tarsi fulvous,
I possess two specimens of this species, which differ in regard
to the presence or absence of the thoracic band and the colour of
the legs, but in no other way; the closely and finely punctured
thorax and the apical black elytral spots will separate this species
from any other of the genus.
MELITONOMA CAPITATA, Sp. 0.
Fulvous; the breast, abdomen, and the femora black; head and
thorax impunctate, epistome nearly straight anteriorly; elytra very
finely punctured, with the usual five black spots (1, 2,2). Length,
6 mill.
Hab. Delagoa Bay.
It will only be necessary to point out that this species differs from
any of its allies (M. epistomalis, Lac., excepted) in the entirely fulvous
SOME NEW SPECIES OF CLYTHRIDA. 63
head, and in the nearly straight anterior margin of the epistome, but
more specially in the sides of the head, which are prolonged sub-
quadrately below the eyes; the thorax does not differ from other
species of the genus, being narrowed at the sides, and the surface is
unspotted ; the elytral punctuation is very fine, nearly obsolete at the
apex, and partly arranged in irregular rows; the tibie and tarsi are
fulvous.
I possess a single apparently female specimen, which was
obtained by the late Mrs. Monteiro.
MELITONOMA BOMAENSIS, Sp. 0.
Bluish black below; the tibiz and tarsi flavous; head black;
thorax flavous, impunctate, with two lateral and one central black
spot; elytra closely and distinctly punctured, flavous, each with five
spots (1, 2, 2), the last two obliquely placed. Length, 6 mill.
Hab. Boma (Congo) ; Angola, Delagoa Bay, Sierra Leone.
Head black, impunctate, finely pubescent between the eyes, the
clypeus feebly semicircularly emarginate anteriorly ; antenne black,
the lower four joints fulvous; thorax strongly transverse, the sides
greatly deflexed, nearly straight but slightly narrowed, the disc entirely
impunctate, flavous, with a basal subquadrate spot at each side, and
another small intermediate spot; scutellum black, pointed, with a
slight central ridge ; elytra feebly lobed at the sides, subcylindrical,
rather strongly and closely punctured, the punctures arranged in very
irregular rows; a spot on the shoulders, two others at the middle,
placed transversely in a line, and two below the middle, the outer one
of which is placed lower than the other, black; below and the femora
bluish black, the tibize and tarsi flavous.
The position of the posterior spots, which is nearer the apex
than in most other allied species of the genus, and their oblique
direction, as well as the colour of the tibiz and tarsi, distinguish
this species, of which I have six specimens before me. Also
collection H. Clavareau.
MELITONOMA PUNCTIPENNIS, Sp.n.
Bluish black; the head finely pubescent; thorax fulvous, im-
punctate, with five black spots; elytra very strongly punctured,
fulvous; a spot on the shoulders, a transverse band at the middle,
and another near the apex, blue-black. Length, 6 mill.
Hab. Niger, Benué Exped. (Staudinger).
Head black, shining, impunctate, the vertex convex, lower portion
pubescent; eyes large; antenn# not extending to the base of the
thorax, black, the second and third joints obscure fulvous; thorax
twice as broad as long, very slightly narrowed in front, the dise con-
vex, entirely impunctate, flavous, the base with a subquadrate black
spot at each side; the disc with three other small spots placed tri-
angularly between the larger ones; scutellum black, pointed; elytra
feebly lobed at the sides, strongly and closely punctured in irregular
rows; the shoulders with a rather large round spot, the middle with a
64 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
transverse medially narrowed band, and followed by another one near
the apex, the second band with the posterior margin deeply concave,
neither of them extending to the sutural and lateral margins; under
side and legs black.
Of this species I have only a single female specimen before
me, but the strong punctuation of the elytra differs so much from
any of its allies that it cannot be mistaken for any other species.
Clythra notata, Klug, resembles the present insect greatly, but is
of larger size; the head is differently coloured, the thorax of
different shape and markings, and the elytral bands likewise
differ, as well as the sculpture.
(To be continued.)
ON THE MORPHOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE
AUCHENORRHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA.
By Dr. H. J. Hansen.
(Continued from p. 44.)
Tue posterior tibiz in a more typical Jassine—for example, a
Tettigonia or Idiocerus—are, as is well known, quadricarinate,
and also more or less conspicuously compressed (or at least never
depressed), so that the posterior* surface is narrower than the
surfaces on both sides, and, in every case, than the anterior
surface ; moreover, at least, the two margins which limit the
posterior surface are endowed with several or many spines. A
similar structure is found in the fine Australian genus Hurymela,
Hofimansegg, which in consequence of its entire structure may
well stay in the neighbourhood of the Bythoscopine group. The
genus Paropia, Germ., which is ranged by Sahlberg as a some-
what aberrant group even beyond Ulopa, by Kirschbaum and
Fieber as representing a peculiar family, seems to me to be a
very good Jassine in the structure of posterior tibie, the cheeks,
antenne, &c.; to lay great stress on excavations on the frons
and vertex appears to me extremely absurd. Puropia ought, it
seems to me, to stand, judging from its whole structure, in the
neighbourhood of the Bythoscopini. The interesting genus
Ledra, ¥., seems, at a first glance, to diverge strongly from the
other Jassine by the remarkable head, the often two-flapped
pronotum, and the cultrate posterior tibie; it is on this account
signalized by Fieber as representing a family, by Sahlberg (I. ¢.
p. 108) as forming a transition to the Membracinz, ‘ to which it
is by some authors referred,” a supposition entirely without good
* The nomenclature of various surfaces here and later on is not always
strictly in accordance with the original. Any alteration is either initiated or
endorsed by the author.—G. W.K.
THE AUCHENORRHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA, 65
srounds. In the forms akin to Ledra, such as Petalocera bohe-
manni, Stal, Hpiclines planata, F., and Proranus adspersipennis,
Stal, the posterior tibiz are quadricarinate, compressed, and the
posterior margins spinose, the latter being especially notable in
the last-named form; the cultrate form occurring in Ledra is
only a strong compression, so that the outer surface has dn-
appeared as such. The cheeks (gene) are in Ledra aurita, L.,
somewhat expanded, in Petalocera and many of the related forms
—Tituria, Stal, Titia, Stal, Sichea, Stal, Rubria, Stil (according
to Stil’s statement in Hem. Afr.)—‘“‘ very slightly dilated” ; and
the last-named genus seems to lead over to Xerophlea, Germ.,
which is a good Jassine with somewhat expanded cheeks. The
antennze in Ledra aurita are also (see above) formed as in the
Jassinez, and by no means resemble the antenne in that Mem-
bracine-form, in whose neighbourhood Ledra should probably
stay, viz. dithalion, Latr. Ulopa diverges, on the contrary (see
later on), essentially from Jassine, and must pass over to Mem-
bracine, but after the removal of this genus the Jassinw in the
above-given circuit seem to me to be a very natural division—a
** Subfamily,” characterized by the more or less dilated cheeks, the
typical quadricarinate, compressed (sometimes cultrate) posterior
tibie (and the slender antennal whip, which, however, is not an
exclusive character).
The remaining part of the family Jasside may perchance be
comprised as one division, Membracine. It is, as regards the
structure of the head, antenne, and posterior legs, far more
multifarious than the Jassine; one can scarcely find positive
characters for it as a whole, and it ought perhaps, as proposed
by Stal, to be separated into several groups equivalent with
Jassine; but most of these groups will probably not coincide
with Stal’s ‘‘ Subfamilies.”
A character probably met with in all the forms, and binding
them together, can be expressed thus: ‘“‘ cheeks scarcely or not at
all dilated.” A group of the Membracinzee—the ‘‘ Hoplophorida,”
Stal—is characterized by the arranger (Hem. Afr. p. 82), ‘‘ pos-
terior tarsi small, shorter than the anterior pair’”’; but it is not
quite so sharply expressed as it could be, as their posterior tarsi
are in reality far thinner and nearly double as short as, for
example, the intermediate tarsi; and besides, this character is
not exclusive, for 1 am acquainted with forms, which certainly
in every way are referable to the subfamily ‘‘ Membracida,”’
Stal, in which the posterior tarsi are clearly shorter and more
slender than the other pairs, to almost as great a degree as in the
** Hoplophorida.”’ On the other hand, the group certainly shows
always a character peculiar to it, viz. the posterior tibize are for
the greatest part of their length considerably compressed obliquely,
and towards the apex curved first of all inwards and then again
outwards. In the above-mentioned Membracis-forms with the
66 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
short posterior tarsi, the tibize are curved somewhat backwards
at the apex, but they do not resemble those in the Hoplophorini,
being besides to a high degree depressed, not compressed. The
presence of this interesting oblique compression in the little
group (the Hoplophorini) renders it impossible for me to refer
the form of their structure to the plan which presumably is
expressed in the shape of the posterior tibie in all remaining
Membracine. If one examines the posterior tibie—for example,
in Ulopa, Fall., Atthalion, Latr., Centrotus, F., Darnis, F.,
Smilia, Germ., and very many important genera—it is seen
that they are tricarinate, most often sharply tricarinate, with
strong bristles on the margins, and that the posterior surface
is always broad, scarcely ever narrower, most often broader
than the other surfaces, so that the posterior tibie never
display a tendency towards compression, as in Jassine, but
contrariwise are often somewhat depressed ; only in Polyglypta,
Burm., have I found them almost round, the edges being
strongly rounded off. In the group ‘‘Membracida,” Stal,
and various genera of ‘‘ Centrotida,” Stal, the depressing is, as
is well known, so far carried on that the tibizw are foliaceous. In
various species of the genus Aconophora, Fairm., in Heteronotus,
Lap., and many forms, the tibize have a tendency to become
quadricarinate, so that on the anterior side one finds two sub-
contiguous rows of small spines or bristles, but they are clearly
depressed,* and the posterior surface is very broad and altogether
dominant. It may be objected that this characterization lacks
sharpness, but it seems obvious to me, nevertheless, that, despite
all secondary changes, essential differences are typically found in
the structure of the posterior legs in the Jassinze and Membra-
cing in the circumscription of these here set forth.
In the Hem. Afr. pp. 82-83, Stal separates his first five sub-
families from the ‘‘ Centrotida”’ by ‘‘ Scutellum absent or obso-
lete, not extended beyond the metanotum,” in opposition to the
fact in Centrotida: ‘‘Scutellum distinct, produced backwards
beyond the metanotum.” In the first place, this character is
wrongly expressed, because if one removes the pronotal posterior
lobe—for example, in Smilia—one finds a good-sized scutellum,
and one can therefore only state to what degree the scutellum is
hidden or visible; in the second place, the other part of the
character is not correct, for Stal himself writes on the Centrotid
genus Oeda, Am. and Serv., in ‘Hemiptera Fabriciana,’ p. 49,
“no complete scutellum,” in contradistinction to ‘‘ scutellum
complete, produced ’’—for example, in Stegaspis, Germ, ; thirdly,
the character may well be practically useful, but effects, in my
opinion, an artificial, not a natural, separation ; for genera like
Hypsauchenia, Germ., and Lycoderes, Germ., stand far nearer,
* In the original, ‘‘ sammentrykte ” is a misprint, so the author informs
me, for ‘‘ fladtrykte.”—G. W. K.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 67
in my opinion, by the structure of the legs and antenne, to
Membracis, F., and Pterygia, Lap., than to Centrotus, not to
mention Oeda, Am. and Serv., Bocydiwm, Latr., Tolania, and
other Centrotid genera. My opinion is thus that the group
Centrotida, Stal, may be rejected, and the genera with strongly
dilated tibiew referred to ‘‘ Membracida,” Stal, which group then
becomes very natural, and can, indeed, be redivided according to
the structure of the face, i.e. whether this be widened to a
prominent sharply margined plate, both at the sides and down-
wards (as in Membracis, F'., Bolbonota, Am. and Sery., Pterygia,
Lap.), or only dilated at the sides (Oxyrhachis, Germ., Lycoderes,
Germ.). How to separate the other types of the division Mem-
bracine, mihi (after the removal of ‘‘ Hoplophorida ” and ‘‘ Mem-
bracida,” in the new sense proposed by me), I dare not attempt,
but simply state that they may best be discerpted into some
smaller groups; only I must say that | am certain that Aithalion
ought to rest in the neighbourhood of Centrotus-Tolania (cfr. Stal),
which also it approaches by the antennal structure (see p. 39).*
Next ought perhaps Ulopa, according to the structure of head
and antenne, to form a small division by itself near the Centrotus
group; Stal, in 1858, placed it in Membracina, but in 1866,
certainly, removed it to Jassida.
(To be continued.)
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
New Forest Narurat History Socrety.—We learn from a circular
received from the hon. secretary—Mr. G. Morris, of Brockenhurst,
Hants—that a Natural History Society bearing the above title has
been established. Although the subscription is very small, the scheme
of operations seems to be distinctly large. Among other useful work
that the Society proposes to undertake, ‘‘as soon as funds permit,” is
that of publishing ‘‘a Monthly Report and District Floral and Faunal
Guide, for the benefit of members and correspondents.” Although
the Society will discourage the possible exterminator of rare plants,
insects, &c., it will always be prepared to furnish non-resident members
who may visit the district with information as to localities and times of
appearance of such rarities as they may wish to obtain, and so save
their valuable time.
VANESSA IO, AB. CYANOSTICTA.—I am more and more convinced of
the value and convenience of varietal names, especially in the case
of the Diurni and the more conspicuous species amongst the Macro-
Lepidoptera generally. I have therefore much pleasure in bestowing
the name of cyanosticta on that form of Vanessa io in which a single
blue spot (varying considerably in size) is found beneath the ‘‘ peacock
eye’’ on the hind wing. It does not seem to be mentioned in any of
* Vol. xxxili., p. 119, of translation.—G. W. K.
68 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
the text-books to which I have access, but is well known to a good
many collectors and is not of very rare occurrence. I bred about
half-a-dozen specimens from a single batch of larve found here last
season.—(Rev.) Giusert H. Raynor; Hazeleigh Rectory, Maldon,
Feb. 20th, 19038.
Krstren Destroying Burrerriums.—I have been asked by my
friend Mr. Bankes, of Corfe Castle, to send you a note of a habit of
the kestrel which has on several occasions fallen under my notice.
On the 18th July, 1901, I was in company with my brother, Mr. E.
Harker Curtis, on the top of Ballard Down, Swanage, catching butter-
flies. The species noticed were mostly Melanargia galatea, Argynnis
aglaia, Hipparchia semele, H. tithonus, and H. janira. Whilst thus
engaged, a kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) was observed hawking about and
hovering over the long grass, every once now and then dropping like a
stone to the ground, remaining a second or two and then rising again.
These movements attracted my attention, so my brother and I lay
down in the grass to watch the bird. After some time I remarked to
my brother that the bird did not seem to get much, as it never rose
with a mouse or a lizard, and it certainly did not remain on the ground
long enough to eat either. Presently the bird dropped close to a furze
bush, and I crept up to the bush and looked over the top. The kestrel
jumped and flew off, leaving a half-eaten Argynnis aglaia on the ground.
Then I followed the bird and examined the places where it went down,
and found almost every time either the mutilated remains of a M. galatea
or of an A. aglaia. It seemed to have least difficulty in catching
galatea, as, finding what it was doing, I watched it very closely and
saw it miss several of the wily aglaia. The bird waited until the
insect pitched, and then pounced down on it, and, having regard to
the fact that the females were busy depositing ova, the percentage
of the females killed must have been very large. I found by counting
that the bird caught about thirty-six specimens in an hour, and it was
hard at it for at least five hours, that is to say, the whole time I was
present ; and when I left, the bird was still hawking about. I have
seen a kestrel at the same place on many occasions since, and similarly
occupied. The bird certainly did not seem to bother itself about me,
as I could have captured it in my net had I been so disposed, since it
allowed me to approach within a couple of yards or so. Mr. Henry
Seebohm, in his ‘ History of British Birds’ (vol. 1. p. 48), mentions
frogs, moles, mice, caterpillars, lizards, earthworms, cockchafers,
grasshoppers, and locusts as its usual foods. Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe
also makes statements to the same effect. —W. Parkinson Curtis.
Urticating Errects or Larv™ Harirs.—The irritating properties
contained in the hairy coats of most of the Bombyces are well known
and sometimes painfully remembered by a good many collectors,
possessed, like myself, with a susceptible cuticle. The cocoons have
for me a particularly uncomfortable manner with them, but not until
this past season did I detect a fairly clearly defined difference in the
effect produced by different species. It was while examining some
cocoons of Porthesia auriflua that I inadvertently rubbed my forearm
with the fabric; almost immediately the crimson inflammation
appeared, together with excessive itching, and continued for some
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 69
three hours without cessation, after which arose small red pimples,
changing on the second day to white vesicles, which, after discharging
a watery fluid, left an appearance as of eczema. I determined to put
the matter to a further test, and, a week or two after, subjected my
arm to a similar dose, with precisely similar results. Eucalyptus oil
afforded relief from the smarting of the discharging vesicles, but
nothing that I could find would allay the first irritation, common
washing soda affording the nearest approach to relief. During the
season I tried the effects of various other Bombyces, with the follow-
ing results: two applications, each having similar results, were tried
in each case, except Macrothylacia rubi. Arctia caia: No subsequent
complication after first irritation, which lasted about half an hour and
was almost immediately susceptible to common soda. A. villica:
Similar to A. caia, but the hairs on the larve lacked the irritative
properties possessed by the commoner species. Lasiocampa (Bombyx)
quercus: Primary irritation very pronounced, but not so lasting as in
the case of P. auriflua ; the pimples changed to vesicles towards the
end of the day, and by morning were dry scabs, the irritation and
smarting being slight compared with that produced by the ‘‘ gold tail.”
Malacosoma (Bombyx) neustria: The red inflamed patch gave much
trouble, and the irritation was great, but no pimples resulted; common
soda quickly reduced the itching. Macrothylacia (Bombyx) rubi: I de-
cided after the first experiment not to continue operations with this
species. Some of the fabric got into my eyes, and for three days I
endured much discomfort; the eyes watered and became inflamed, and
much difficulty was experienced in opening the lids in the morning ;
some of the vesicles on the arm assumed the appearance of pustules,
and it was quite a week before I got rid of the effects; the primary
itching was excessive and continued for ten or twelve hours, the ap-
plication of various ‘‘palliatives’’ being useless; common soda relieved
temporarily. Callimorphia dominula: I sacrificed most of my pupx
experimenting with these species, but beyond a slight irritation from
the hairs of one partially changed larva, no material effects were
experienced. Gastropacha (Lasiocampa) quercifolia, Saturnia carpint,
and Orygia antiqua gave no special results, but Dasychira pudibunda
produced red patches and vesicles as in the case of P. awriflua, the
vesicles, which were similar in appearance to those produced by
the disease known as chicken-pox only much smaller, discharged
on the second day and left an irritating smarting which eucalyptus
oil only partially allayed; the primary itching, however, was not
susceptible to either soda, potass, or borax. I was not able to procure
cocoons of P. chrysorrhea, but have not any doubt that the effects
would have been similar to those produced by P. aurijlua, The last-
named, therefore, with M.rubi and D. pudibunda, prove to be possessed
of the most irritating properties both as to larval coat and cocoon
fabric. It may be that my cuticle is more susceptible than that of
others, but I would like to know if any of these experiences agree
with the effect produced by the same means upon others of your
readers. I may mention that in most cases a piece of common
washing soda, wetted and rubbed upon the surface of the irritated
part until the deposit dried, was usually the most effective palliative,
while eucalyptus oil was generally successful in easing the smarting
70 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
after the discharge of the vesicles—Wwm. A. Carter; Burr Villas,
Bexley Heath.
PorTHEsIA OCHRYSORRH@A IN Hneauanp. — With reference to Prof.
Meldola’s note (ante, p. 17), 1 beg to say that I have not hurriedly
jumped to a conclusion with regard to Continental supply as he
suggests. As a matter of fact, I have made a careful study of this
insect in its haunts around the south-east coast for the last four years,
from the egg state to the imago, being on the ground almost con-
tinually during the whole time, and I can safely say that we have had
five ‘‘ good years,’’ during which time it has spread very rapidly, and
Iam not at all surprised, although pleased to hear, that it has reached
as far as Wales. Now, as this insect was very plentiful about thirty
years ago, and then suddenly disappeared entirely, it is very evident
that after so many years’ absence a fresh supply must have come from
somewhere, and it is certainly very significant that it should turn up
again at two or three places where direct steamers are running to and
from the Continent, viz. Newhaven, Dover, Folkestone, and Harwich.
There are at least two causes likely to bring about extermination
—parasites and starvation. At Newhaven, immediately near the
steamers’ loading berths, this is pretty clearly shown, where the hedges
on either side of the road for over a quarter of a mile present an ex-
traordinary sight when the larve are nearly and some full grown, not
a vestige of foliage remaining. ‘The larve are everywhere, on the
paths, fences, posts, and in the roadway, wandering about in’ search
of food, and there is no doubt large numbers die from starvation,
while others perish from the attacks of a fly (not a true ichneumon),
very like a house fly, which ‘‘stings’’ the young larve soon after they
leave the egg. When rearing hybernating larve, I have noticed that
those that are stung wake up first and feed up much quicker, and the
consequence at Newhaven is that those that are full fed when the food-
plant gives out are the larve that are stung, and the half-fed, non-
infected, larvee no doubt perish in large numbers from lack of food. I
have proved this by bringing the larve away in the nests when young,
and aiso when nearly full-fed, and carrying them through to the imago
stage. Notwithstanding the above, I saw hundreds of nests there a
few weeks ago, and there were no signs of their diminishing. I should
say that P. chrysorrhwa was very plentiful at Brighton, Kastbourne,
Deal, and Margate, but the numbers are nothing like those at New-
haven, which reminds one of a great distributing depot, the larve
being easily traced along the railway hedges in the direction of London,
and along the coast eastward, over Beachy Head, through Hastbourne,
Pevensey, and Hastings, and westward through Rottingdean, Brighton,
and Shoreham ; and there is no doubt in my mind that we get con-
siderable additions from the Continent of chrysorrhea, besides other
insects that come to light, and which are taken in the neighbourhood
of Newhaven.—C. W. Cotrurup; 127, Barry Road, Hast Dulwich,
Jan. 20th, 1908.
SyMPETRUM FONSCOLOMBII IN THE Act oF Miaratine.— Mr. L. EH.
Adams has forwarded to me a male specimen of Sympetrum fonscolombii,
which, apparently, he was fortunate enough to observe in the act of
migrating. He says: ‘‘1 enclose a specimen of a dragonfly that I brought
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 71
from Ghenitshesk, in the Azov, this summer (7. e. 1902). While at
auchor there, two miles off shore, we were infested with multitudes of
gnats, and these were followed by a corresponding multitude of these
dragonflies (all the same species), which rapidly thinned the gnats.”
Those interested in British dragonflies will recollect that Mr. C. A.
Briggs and his brother a few years ago met with the species (evidently
immigrants and all males) at Wisley ponds, in Surrey. It is not
really a British dragonfly. Mr. McLachlan has been good enough
to look at the insect which has not assumed its mature ruby colouring.
—W. J. Luoas; Kingston-on-Thames.
Larva or British ConeopHora.—As | wish to record the life-history
of all the species of the genus Coleophora, I should be greatly obliged
if entomologists would kindly send me any cases and living larvee
which they may meet with and have to spare. I shall be most happy
to do what I can in return.—Hy. J. Turner; 18, Drakefell Road,
St. Catherine’s Park, Hatcham, 8.E.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
Agrotis r1ip@ at CuesteR.—I took a fresh and perfect specimen of
this species on the night of August 13th—insects were generally
delayed as to date, last season, by the cold summer—at one of the
electric lamps nearest the river. Its identity was kindly established
for me by Mr. C. G. Barrett. I believe this is the first record of the
moth from Chester, and the interest attaching to the capture is the
fact that we are twenty miles in a straight line from the coast.
Stretches of sand certainly occur, midway down the river, but they
are swept by the tides.—J. Arxitu; January, 1903. Since writing the
above I find the food-plants of the species Cynoylossum ogicinale (hounds-
tongue) and Salsola kali (saltwort) are to be found six miles down the
river, away from Chester; the first on the Shotwick Marshes, and the
second on the Dee banks. These observations appear to throw a light
on the distances traversed by moths before some of them reach our
electric lamps, many of which are high up above the surrounding
country.—J. Arkte; 2, George Street, Chester, Jan. 9th, 1903.
SiREX Gigas In Wates.—An example of this hymenopteron, which
from appearances seemed to have only recently emerged, was caught
resting on the window-sill of the kitchen window of our house, on
June 24th, 1901, by my sister Agnes Shelley, who thinking so strange
a fly might possibly be of interest to me, secured it by placing a net
over it.—TxHomas J. SHenuey; 1038, King’s Road, Canton, Cardiff,
Glamorganshire, Jan. 20th, 1903.
Hawx-morn Pupatinc on Surrace or Grounp.—In October, 1902,
through a miscalculation, I disturbed some of the larve of Sphina
ligustri that had gone down to pupate; one of these, when unearthed,
refused to remain in the earth a second time, and changed on the
surface. The pupa at first was of a greenish colour, very similar to
the colour of the larva itself. The colour then slowly changed to a
72 THE \ENTOMOLOGIST.
yellowish green, and then again to a reddish hue. This last tint grew
darker in colour, until the pupa had attained the ordinary aspect of the
chrysalis of S. ligustri. The change occupied about five days alto-
gether.—Tuomas J. SHELLEY; 103, King’s Road, Canton, Cardiff, Gla-
morganshire, Jan. 20th, 1908.
Caprures At WimporNE, OcrosER, 1902.—While on a visit to Wim-
borne, in October last, I sugared a few trees near the house where I
was staying, on four consecutive evenings (7th to 10th), and captured
the following eleven species :—Aygrotis suffusa, Noctua c-nigrum, Ancho-
celis rufina, A. pistacina, A. litura, Scopelosoma satellitia, Xanthia ferru-
ginea (circellaris), Epunda nigra, Phlogophora meticulosa, Hadena protea,
and Xylina ornithopus (rhizolitha). The two last-named species were
also taken from tree-trunks in the daytime. — Puinie J. Barravup;
Bushey Heath, Herts.
Burrerruies in tHE Mawstone District, 1902. —The following
notes may perhaps be of some interest, giving as they do a list of the
Rhopalocera to be found in this locality, and taken by myself last
season (1902) within a radius of six miles around Maidstone. Con-
sidering the inclemency of the weather and poor results of other collec-
tors, I think it a very satisfactory one:—Pieris brassicae, P. rapa,
P. napi, Euchloé cardamines, Colias hyale (one freshly emerged specimen,
June 9th); C. edusa (Sept. 6th), Gonepteryx rhamni, common ; Argynnis
aglaia, common (July 10th, Aug. 9th) ; A. adippe (Aug. 21st), common ;
A. euphrosyne, Vanessa polychloros, two (Aug. 9th); V. to, V. urtica,
V. atalanta, V. cardui, Melanargia yalatea, common (Aug. 9th); Pararge
megaera, Satyrus semele, common (Aug. 8rd, Sept. 6th); Hpinephele tanira,
E. tithonus, I}. hyperanthus, Canonympha pamphilus, Thecla quercus, 1’.
rubi, Chrysophanus phiwas, Lycena astrarche, common; L, (Cupido) minima,
L. @gon, fairly common (July 13th, Aug. 8rd); L. argiolus, L. cory-
don, common (Aug. 8rd, 20th); L. bellaryus, L. icarus, Hesperia malva,
Thanaos tages, Adopea comma (Sept. 6th); 4. sylvanus, A. thawmas. It
was very noticeable how late many of the species were in making their
appearance.—Arruur J. Goipinc ; Lower Fant, Maidstone.
Coniectrine 1n Ross-suire, 1902.—Last year (Hntom. xxxv. 145) I
recorded some of my captures in an out of-the-way part of Ross-shire,
at the head of the River Carron, and now add a few more notes about
my collecting at the same place in 1902. Lasiocampa (Bombyx) callune
was the most interesting species. The larve were in great numbers,
feeding on the heather, and in places upon sallow and other plants, but
I had no success in rearing them in captivity.
On Aug. 9th about one hundred larve were sent home to Kms-
worth, and other lots were sent at the beginning of September. These
were kept under the most natural conditions and not crowded, yet only
about two per cent. attained the pupa state. The same thing hap-
pened with those which I tried to rear on the spot in Ross-shire ;
nearly all died.
About Sept. 11th I first noticed a good many dead larve hanging
to the heather-stalks on the moor, showing that even in the wild state
the death-rate among them was very high.
On Sept. 28rd I began to find the cocoons on the moor. Upon
~
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 73
tussocks of grass or lumps of moss or lichen a brown web would be
noticed, and under this, embedded in the moss, &c., was the cocoon.
Of these cocoons I found about fifty or sixty before the middle of
October, but I spent very little time looking for them, and no doubt
hundreds might have been found by careful searching in suitable
places. No young or newly hatched larve were observed in the
autumn of 1902. On the other hand, in the autumn of 1901 I saw
no full-grown or year-old larve, but I did see a good many young
ones, about a month or two old. ‘These observatious point to the
species appearing only biennially and not every year. The insect in
this cold country appears to spend quite fourteen months in the larva
state.
The extreme lateness of insects in 1902 was very noticeable.
Larentia cesiata, L. didymata, and Cidaria populata were all observed
from Sept. 20th to 27th, and not in bad condition either. A female
specimen of L. c@siata was taken, in fair condition, on Oct. 9th.
Cenonympha davus was also very late in 1902, while in Sutherland-
shire, during August up to the 24th of that month, I noticed three or
four in good condition every day, and on the 19th I took a pair im cop.
Returning again to my collecting in Ross-shire on the Carron
water. One specimen of Crymodes exulis was taken at sugar on Aug.
8th; the specimen is in good condition; it resembles the form known
as assimilis, Doubl., that I have seen from the Rannoch district, and is
quite different, especially in its smaller size, from the Shetland form.
sine not aware of this species having been recorded from Ross-shire
efore.
Sugaring at this time (beginning of August) was not at all success-
ful, and only produced a few specimens of Xylophasia rurea, X. mono-
glypha, Apamea gemina, Hadene adusta, Noctua rubi, N. festiva, &e. The
weather was cold, wet, and windy.—W. M. Curisry; Watergate, Hms-
worth, Hants.
Nores rrom Waes.—Among other captures in this district during
1902 I took about twenty-five larvee of Dasychira fascelina, They all
pupated, and I had the pleasure of seeing sixteen emerge between July
18th and 380th. This insect appears in great profusion here some
years, though its numbers vary greatly. Is it generally becoming
scarcer? for I seldom see accounts of its capture, and I think it was
not mentioned in the ‘ Entomologist’ last year. Another insect which
is fairly regular in its appearance here is Chwrocampa porcellus. On
Oct. 4th, last year, I took a newly emerged specimen of Grapta
c-album in some woods near here. Is not this a rather late appearance
for this species? My last record of the same insect here is Sept. 1st,
1897, when a friend of mine and myself took a pair within five yards
of each other, in the same clearing as my last capture.—Tuos. H.
Court; Llandudno College, Llandudno, Feb. 9th, 1903.
Cornectine in tHe New Forest.—The summer (if such it may be
called) of 1902 will long be remembered by entomologists as one of the
most unsatisfactory and unproductive seasons in their experience. But
notwithstanding the prevailing depression there are, no doubt, bright
spots to be looked back to, and I, for one, have very pleasant recollec-
ENTOM.—MARCH, 1903. G
74 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
tions of a highly enjoyable, and by no means unprofitable, fortnight
spent in the New Forest with two of my brothers. Not having visited
this favourite hunting-ground since 1898, it was with great satis-
faction that I once more journeyed to the old familiar haunts. Having
on previous occasions made Brockenhurst our centre, we determined to
settle at Lyndhurst, and arrived at that charming village on July 10th,
after an uneventful journey, with the exception of the discovery, on our
arrival, that atin of treacle had broken loose in transit, and rambled
round my brother's portmanteau, with effects which can be better
imagined than described. Thus began our sugaring. We lost no
time in getting to work, and on the evening of our arrival started out
with a large acetylene lamp of seventy-candle power, which we used
most of the evenings during our stay. Unfortunately, nearly the
whole of the time we were troubled by that enemy of entomologists—
the moon, so that it was only on two or three evenings that light had
at all a fair chance. We soon found things were rather backward,
and that there was little to be got in the way of imagines in the thickly
wooded parts of the forest; for after netting good series of Argynnis
paphia (including one or two yar. valesina), Limenitis sibylla, and
Melanthia albiciliata, there was very little besides. Consequently,
nearly the whole of our time was devoted to working the swamps and
heaths, with the result that a different class of insects was obtained to
those taken on our previous visits.
_ Like most tourists this year, we cannot give the weather very high
credentials. The first three or four days of our stay were magnificent,
and St. Swithin’s day being the last of these, we felt there was hope
of the good weather continuing. But, alas for the old tradition.
St. Swithin proved to be a very worthless sort of dignitary, as the next
day was pelting wet, and this was followed, during the rest of our visit,
by dull and at times rainy days, succeeded by cold clear moonlight
nights, about as unfavourable for light and sugar as well could be.
Hard work, however, produced good results, the following insects being
taken in the swamps by day :—Argynnis adippe, Zygena trifolii, very
abundant, and yielding some good pale and confluent forms. Huthe-
monia russula, most active; we met with it before sunrise, at all hours
of the day, and it came dashing around our lamp at night. Both males
and females were taken, and from the latter several batches of ova
were obtained. Drepana falcula was occasionally noticed, and Hydrelia
uncula flew in fair numbers when the sun shone, as also an occasional
Hyria muricata. On the 14th we got up before sunrise and sallied out
to seek this insect at its natural time of flight, but without success,
and we came to the conclusion that it was not yet out. This proved
to be the case, as by adopting similar tactics near Brockenhurst, on
the 25th, we each obtained a long and variable series of this beautiful
little insect, one of my prime favourites. It flew briskly among bog-
myrtle, commencing its flight precisely at six, and continuing on the
wing about three-quarters of an hour, after which it was very difficult
to find a single specimen. By tapping the trunks of saplings and trees
of small growth we obtained Hrastria fuscula, Cleora glabraria, Minoa
murinata, Hucosmia undulata, Eupisteria heparata (in numbers), Ephyra
orbicularia (one only, very worn), and both sexes of Bupalus piniaria.
Acidalia immutata was also noticed in the swamps, and more frequently
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 75
by day than by night. Day-work on the heaths produced Lycena
@gon, Anarta myrtilli, Euclidia glyphica, Gnophos obscurata, Selidosema
ericetaria, Acidalia straminata, and Aspilates strigillaria. Several speci-
mens of Heliothis dipsacea were seen on the 14th, but not captured.
Sugar proved to be almost entirely a blank in the thicker parts of
the forest, the only insects taken being Nola strigula, Dipterygia scabri-
uscula, and Gonophora derasa. We succeeded better in the swamps by
sugaring a post and rail-fence, and took the following :—Thyatira batis,
Gonophora derasa, Acronycta leporina, A. ligustri, Leucania tmpudens
(extremely abundant), L. impwra, Rusina tenebrosa, Agrotis strigula,
Noctua festiva, Huplexia lucipara, Aplecta nebulosa, Hadena contiqua,
Gonoptera libatrix, and Mania maura.
Network at dusk proved to be by far the most profitable method.
We fell in with Nudaria senex in good numbers, but its flight was
ereatly affected by climatic conditions. On the 14th the weather was
perfect for it, and it appeared in hundreds at early dusk, and again,
later on, at light ; other insects were Lithosia mesomella (in abundance),
Hepialus hectus, Lithosia quadra (one specimen on our last evening),
Cymatophora duplaris, Thyatira batis, Hrastria fuscula, Boarmia robo-
raria, Phorodesma bajularia, Lobophora sexalata and Colliax sparsata
(both in plenty round the sallows at night), Mucosmia undulata, Lodis
lactearia, Pseudoterpna pruinata, Melanthia albicillata, M. rubiginata,
Ligdia adustata, Hupisteria heparata, and Cidaria dotata.
On the one or two evenings towards the close of our stay, when the
moon was obscured by clouds, light was very profitable, and in one
evening about 150 specimens were taken at the lamp. ‘These included
Euthemonia russula, Lithosia mesomella, Calligenia miniata, Nudaria
senex, Phalera bucephala, Odonestis potatoria, Malacosoma neustria, Nola
strigula, N. cucullatella, Leucania impudens, L. impura, Agrotis strigula,
Acidalia emarginata, A. scutulata, A. straminata, K’ipione apiciaria, Oura-
pteryx sambucaria, Tephrosia crepuscuiaria, Cleora lichenaria, and .Geo-
metra papilionaria. This beautiful insect looked most graceful, as it
came with sailing flight to the lamp. It flew about 11 p.m., but when
disturbed earlier in the evening its movements were so lightning-like
that it was impossible to capture it. Lobophora sevalata again put in
an appearance, while Hypsipetes elutata and its congener impluviata were
both very abundant, and yielded some good forms: Lomaspilis maryi-
nata (very variable), Hemithea strigata, Boarmia repandata and gemmaria,
Larentia pectinitaria, Melanthia albicillata (one), Pachycnemia hippo-
castanaria, and Rivula sericealis. On this occasion we were up all
night, being out with the lamp until about 2 a.m., and then (after a
good supper and an examination of our catch) going to Brockenhurst
for Hyria muricata. On the 21st we went on pilgrimage, to renew our
acquaintance with the shrine of Hesperia acteon at Swanage, and, not-
withstanding a very dull day, we each obtained a fair series, but the
specimens were somewhat worn, and the species was evidently getting
over. Melanargia galatea was also common on the cliffs, and several
specimens of Cledeobia angustalis were taken, We cycled to Ringwood
one evening, on the chance. of a belated Hmydia cribrum. In this we
were unsuccessful, but were rewarded by each obtaining a good series
of Pachycnemia hippocastanaria. On the road between Lyndhurst and
Ringwood we encountered Mr. J. H. Fowler, who very kindly placed
76 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
two hours at our disposal, to look at his magnificent series of #. cribrum
vars. of Callimorpha dominula, and other interesting insects.
We did but little larva-beating or searching, but the following were
noticed :—Peridea trepida, Notodonta camelina, Psilura monacha, Eu-
chelia jacobea, Macrothylacia (Bombyx) rubi, Teniocampa stabilis, Plusia
gamma, Tephrosia consonaria, lodis lactearia, and (at Swanage) Nonagria
typhe.
We left on the 26th, with many regrets, having had a most enjoy-
able hard-working holiday. — Hueu J. Vinatt; 3, Priory Terrace,
Lewes.
SOCIETIES.
LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE E\nTomoLocicaL Socirty.—By the courtesy
of the Warrington Corporation the usual monthly meeting was held in
the Museum, Warrington, on December 8th, Mr. William Webster, of
St. Helen’s, in the chair. Messrs. J. F. Dutton (Helsby) and J. R. le
B. Tomlin (Chester) were duly elected members of the Society.—Mr.
Alfred J. Jolley read an instructive paper on ‘‘ Larval Forms, a Study
for the Doctrine of Descent,” in which he portrayed the magnitude of
the difficulties with which the student had to contend, and the need
for caution in dealing with questions of evolution in those animals that
passed through complete metamorphoses, since in many cases the life-
history of the individual cannot be accepted as representing the life-
history of the race. A hearty vote of thanks having been accorded
the lecturer for his interesting and exhaustive discourse, Mr. F. N.
Pierce contributed a communication ‘‘ On the Specific Differences be-
tween Lithosta sericea, L. complana, and L. complanula,” in which he
recorded the results of his investigation on the genitalia of the Litho-
side. Unfortunately, the results of his research as regards the first
two were of a negative character, inasmuch as the genitalia were iden-
tical in both species; but as L. pygmeola was also similar to these, and
no one doubted the claim of the latter to specific rank, he was of
opinion that as the differences in colour, habitat, larve, &¢., were so
constant, until the one had been bred from eggs laid by the other,
L. sericea and L. complana must stand as distinct species. The notes
were illustrated by the author’s preparations, thrown on the screen by
the micro-lantern, drawings of the genitalia, and the insects them-
selves. Mr. Collins, in discussing the paper, confirmed Mr. Pierce’s
conjecture as to moisture being responsible for the production of
melanism in the Lithoside. The following exhibits were examined :—
A fine collection of Transvaal Lepidoptera, ranging from the Sphinges
to the Deltoides, by Captain B. Fairclough; Lithoside, by Mr. F. N.
Pierce; British Longicorns, including Strangalia aurulenta, Saperda
scalaris, and Leptura scutellata, by Messrs. J. R. le B. Tomlin and J. F.
Dutton; some remarkably light varieties of Abraxas grossulariata
and Thera firmata, from Delamere, by Mr. J. Womersley; gall-making
insects and specimens of their work, by Mr. J. Deane; melanic forms of
Triphena orbona from Lewis, Elgin, &c¢., one specimen with dark hind
wings lacking the marginal band being exceptionally interesting, by
Mr. B. H. Crabtree ; Caradrina ambiqua, Aporophyla (Epunda) nigra, &e.,
RECENT LITERATURE. 17
by Mr. R. Tait, jun. ; Vanessa urtice, varieties, by Mr. T. Wright; insects
found in timber, by Mr. W. Mountford; Lepidoptera varieties, by Mr.
B. Prince; British Bembidiide, by Mr. R. Wilding; and beautiful
specimens of Dasycampa rubiginea, Plusia moneta, &e., by Mr. J. Collins.
Correction.—I regret that in the account of my exhibit at the
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society’s October meeting
Mr. W. H. Harwood’s Colchester earwig should have been given as
Foryicula pubescens (Serv.) (Kntom. xxxv. 331). It should have ap-
peared /’, lesnei (Fin.). The error was mine,—K. J. B. Sopp.
Tirrins’ Scuoon Natura History Socrery.—We have received a
Report of the proceedings of this Society for the year 1902. The Society
is connected with Tiffins’ Endowed Schools, Kingston-on-Thames, and
is affiliated with the South-Eastern Union of Scientific Societies. The
President is Mr. W. J. Lucas, B.A.; the Treasurer, Mr. C. J. Grist,
M.A.; and the Hon. Secretary, R. H. Carter. The business transacted
during the year appears to have been extensive and varied. A number
of lectures were delivered, and most of these were illustrated by photos
and micro-photographs projected on the screen. Among the lectures
was one on “Insects” by the President. Excursions were made during
the season to various Surrey localities for the purpose of collecting
and studying objects of Natural History, and it may be added that
several of the members are greatly interested in Hntomology.
RECENT LITERATURE.
L. Meticuar. Monographie der Acanaloniiden und Flatiden (Homo-
ptera). ‘‘Ann. Naturh. Hofmuseums Wien, Band xvi. pp. 178-
258 (June 14th, 1902) and Band xvii. pp. 1-253 (1902). Plates
i.-1x,
Tuts goodly monograph of 334 pages completes the revision of the
Peekillopterine (sens. lat.), the ‘* Ricaniiden’’ having been surveyed
previously.* It is one of the most important Rhynchotal works that
have appeared for some time, and students of that neglected order will
be proportionately grateful to the author. I think, however, that an
introduction, dealing with the salient points in the morphology of these
insects and summarizing their geographical distribution and so forth,
would have enhanced its value.
The ‘“ Acanaloniide’’+ are distinguished by the absence of cross
nervures on the costal margin of the tegmina and of granules on the
clavus; the posterior tibiw are spineless. The ‘“ Flatide ’’ (subf.) have
cross nervures in the clearly marked-off costal membrane; the clavus
is always more or less granulate, and the posterior tibie are furnished
with one, two, or three spines each.
Six Acanaloniid genera are recognized, with 26 species; of. these,
2 genera and 6 species are new. ‘These 26 species are all American,
with one exception—the African Parathiscia conjugata.
* See ‘ Entomologist,’ 1899, p. 263.
+ Dr. Melichar unfortunately follows Lethierry and Severin in employing
identical horismology for families and subfamilies, a very confusing practice.
78 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Of the ‘ Flatide,” 85 genera are recorded, with 497 valid and 35
doubtful species ; of these, 42 genera and 255 species are described as
new. It may be noted that of these, 32 genera are erected with only
a single species apiece; on the other hand, Elidiptera (= Flatoides) is
credited with 91 and Ormenis with 77 species. The genera, as founded
or confirmed by Melichar, appear to be well defined geographically.
Roughly analysed, there are 25 genera confined to the Oriental Region,*
20 to the Aithiopian Region,{ 11 to Central and South America and the
Antilles, 7 to Australia and Polynesia, 6 to the Palearctic Region, 6 of
mixed distribution or more or less cosmopolitan. Only 8 genera, with
17 species, have been described from Continental Australia, doubtless
a small proportion. Of the 20 exclusively Aithiopian genera, 8 are
confined to Madagascar.
While according every praise to the descriptions, analytical tables
of genera and species, and to the excellent plates with figures of 179
species, I must take exception to certain details of Dr. Melichar’s
nomenclature. The principal mistakes or differences of opinion which
I have noted are as follows :—
Band xvi.—P. 185. Acanalonia wmbraculata (Fabr.) = florea, Stal.
I know of no reason for sinking Fabricius’ name. The date of ‘“ Vet.
Akad. Verh. viii. p. 86,’’ is, of course, 1869, not 1835.
P. 203. Stal was quite correct in erecting a new genus Phromnia
for floccosa and its allies, the type of Flata having been fixed by
Fabricius in 1808 as ocellata.
P, 218. Cerynia, Stal, K. Svenska Vetensk. Akad. Handl. iii.
no. 6, p. 68 (1861).
P. 220. Cerynia maria var. rosea, Melich. 1902, = var. rosea,
Atkinson, 1886, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lv. pt. 2, p. 64; from Sikkim.
P, 222. Cenestra, Stal, K. Svenska Vetensk. Akad. Handl. iii.
no. 6, p. 68 (1861).
P. 223. Paramelicharia n. » = Copsyrna, Melichar (nec Stal typ.).
Type maculata (Guér.).
P. 224. Copsyrna, Stal, K. Svenska Vet. Akad. ili. no. 6, p. 69,
= Bythopsyrna Melich. Type tineoides (Oliv.).
Melichar fixes the type of Copsyrna as maculata. Unfortunately,
six months previously I had fixed it as tineoides (Oliv.), the other
original species, the only one I was acquainted with. My paper in the
J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. was (p. 54) published Jan. 24, 1902;
Melichar’s Band xvi. June 17th, 1902.
P. 251. Pseudoflata postica (Spin. 1839) = nigricornis, Guér. 1848
(not 1888).
Band xvii.—P.19. lata, Fabr. typ. = Cryptoflata, Melichar (see
my remarks on Phromnia).
P. 30. Carthea; type caudata, Stal, Svensk. Vet. iii. p. 68, not
emortua, aS indicated by Melichar.
P. 82. C. folium-ambulans (de Geer) = emortua (Fabr.).
Pp. 83-4. Ormenis mendax, Mel., is stated to come from ‘‘ Moupin,”
and Melichar adds, ‘‘ Dieser Ort scheint in Centralafrika im Congo-
* That is, including Japan, excluding New Guinea, &c.
+ Including Madagascar.
+ Excluding Japan, whose Fulgorid fauna seems to be more Oriental.
RECENT LITERATURE. 79
gebiete zu liegen (Mupe).” Moupin, however, is well known through
the researches of the late Pére David,* and is one of the most interesting
districts of the world, at a great elevation, on the other side of the
Snowy Mountains of China (31° N., 101° E.), near Makin on the
Yalong source of the Yang-tse-Kiang.
Pp. 58 & 107.—Colgar, Mel., is not equivalent to Colgar, Kirk. In
founding this genus, I made it homotypical with the preoccupied genus
Atella, Stal, stating the type to be C. peracuta (Walker). As this was
one of Stal’s original species (1866, Berlin. Ent. Zeit. p. 894), and as
the genotype had not been fixed previously, my application of it cannot
rightly be disputed. Walker’s peracuta does not figure, however, in
Melichar’s idea of Colgar, but in his application of Cromna, Walker.
Cromna, Walk., however, does not equal, in a restricted sense, Cromna,
Mel., for the only species, originally included by Walker, is not found
in Melichar’s genus. ‘The following synonymy will illuminate the
puzzle :—
1. Phyllyphanta, Am. & Serv., 1848 = Cromna, Walker, 1857.
Type of the former, P. producta (Spinola). Type of the latter,
C. acutipennis, Walker.
2. Colgar, Kirk., 1900 = Atella, Stal., 1866 (preoce.) = Cromna,
Melich., 1902. Type, peracuta (Walker).
3. Neomelicharia, n. ». = Colgar, Mel., 1902, nec Kirk., 1900.
Type, cruentata (Fabr.).
P. 173.—Elidiptera, Spin., 1889 = Flatoides, 1843 = Helicoptera,
Am. & Serv., 1843.
P. 173.—Cerfennia, Stal. (not Cerfenia). The original reference to
Spinola’s 1839 genera is Revue Zool. pp. 199-206.
The genus Hansenia should be credited to me (as it is in the
index), and not to Melichar. My manuscript was sent in to the
Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. early in 1900 (not at the end of 1901, as
printed), but was not published till January 24th, 1902. Melichar’s
monograph was issued subsequently to this. Melichar has, however,
unfortunately followed my mistake of identifying the Pewctloptera glauca
of Kirby with P. pulverulenta of Guérin. The two have nothing in
common, and while the former is from Ceylon, the latter is from
Mexico, and is rightly placed in Ormenis elsewhere in the monograph.
The synonymy of Hansenia glauca will be as follows :—
Genus Hansenia, Kirk., 1902, Journ. Bombay Soe. p. 53; Melich.,
1902, Ann. Wien. Bd. xvi. pp. 195 & 228.
Type, H. glauca (Kirby).
Peciloptera glauca, Kirby, 1891, J. L. S. xxiv. p. 154. Hansenia
pulverulenta, Kirk., p. 54; Mel., p. 229 (nee Peciloptera pul-
verulenta, Guérin).
These discrepancies are, however, comparatively slight, and the
fact remains that for the first time we have lucid descriptions of all
the species—except some of the Walkerian—of which about one-half
are described as new. It is hoped that a considerable stimulus will
thus be given to the study of these beautiful insects.
G. W. Kirxaupy.
* T am indebted to Dr. Sharp for refreshing my memory on this point.
80 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
The Lepidoptera of the British Islands. By Cuarvus G. Barrett, F.E.S.
Vol. VIII. 8vo. Pp. 1-481. London: Lovell Reeve & Co.
1902.
Tue present volume concludes the Acidaliide and discusses nearly
the whole of the genera in the Larentide. Hupithecia, Hubolia, Meso-
type, and Tanagra still remain to be dealt with, and these will probably
occupy half of the next volume.
That the Acidalids sadly need generic revision will be generally
admitted, but our author has not attempted much in this direction.
The adoption of Ania, Steph., for ‘‘ Acidalia”’ emarginata, L., seems
to be valid, but the employment of Bradyepetes for amataria, and of
Timandra for strigilata, Hb., emutaria, Hb., and imitaria, Hb., is
perhaps open to objection. Amataria (amata), L., is by most authors
considered the type of Timandra, Dup. (1829) = Bradyepetes, Steph.
(1831). The three species here referred to Timandra are included by
Meyrick in Leptomeris, Hb., which Hampson merges in the Boarmid
genus Deilinia, Hb.; while, to complicate things still further, Prout
uses Hrastria for amataria.
_ As in previous volumes, the remarks on habits, life-history, varia-
tion, and distribution are very complete, and these are matters with
which the majority of those who are interested in the Lepidoptera of
our own country are more immediately concerned, than with the
ultraism of the newer entomology.
A Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Northumberland, Durham, and New-
castle-upon-Tyne. By Joun Rosson, F.H.S. Pt. II. 8vo. Pp.
196-318. With Introduction, pp. i-xvi, and Title-pages to
Pts. I. & II. London: Williams & Norgate. Newcastle-upon-
‘Tyne: F. W. Dodsworth, December, 1902.
Tue second Part of this excellent Catalogue, which treats of the
‘‘ Geometrina,’’ is in every way equal in merit to Part I., to which we
had the pleasure of directing attention in 1899 (Kntom. xxxii. 232).
As we then observed, this is not simply a list of the species found in
the area dealt with, but each entry is accompanied by useful notes;
and in cases where doubt existed concerning the occurrence of species
within the limits of the area, the author has very carefully investigated
the matter, and retained or expunged such species according to the
nature of the evidence obtained.
In the first part of the Catalogue the arrangement adopted by
Barrett in ‘ Lepidoptera of the British Islands’ was followed, but in
the instalment before us the arrangement is that of Stainton’s ‘ Manual.’
This is certainly unfortunate, but should not lead to confusion.
We trust that the author may very shortly be able to publish the
‘‘ Micro’’ portion of his work.
’
:
~ APR 14 1903
4S) “ese
ZTHSONIAN perros |
Entomologist, April, 1903. Plate I.
West, Newman imp-
Structure of Genitalia in Lithoside.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vou. XXXVI.) APRIL, 19038. [No. 479.
SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN LITHOSIDA, AS DETER-
MINED BY STRUCTURE OF GENITALIA.*
By F. N. Pierce, F.E.S.
Puare I.
Lithosia sericea, Gregson, was first described by my old friend
C. S. Gregson, in a paper read before the Old Northern Knto-
mological Society on September 29th, 1860, and printed in the
‘Entomologists’ Weekly Intelligencer,’ ix. p.80, in which he points
out the difference between it, Lithosia complana, and L. compla-
nula; Guenée (Ann. Ent. Soc. France, 1861, 4th series, vol. 1. p.50)
redescribes it under the name molyideola. Both entomologists
take the shape and markings of the wings as sufficient to con-
stitute a new species, Guenée observing that the distinction of
the species must depend on the discovery of the larva.
Sericea is peculiar to the Lancashire mosses, and as it has
not been found elsewhere, certain doubts have from time to time
been thrown on it being a good species.
Buckler and Hellins (vol. iii. p. 20) appear to supply the con-
firmation required by Guenée and state that the larva of sericea
differs from complana in the subdorsal spots having no round-
ness whatever in their shape, but narrowish oblong, somewhat
wedge-shaped marks; also that while in complana the spiracular
region is occupied by one broader rust-coloured line, in sericea
there are first a fine line of pale grey, then a line of the ground
colour, and then a narrower line of the rust colour. But even
this does not appear to satisfy everyone on their distinctiveness,
for Meyrick, in his ‘ Handbook of British Lepidoptera,’ page 27,
states of sericea: “It is uncertain whether this is anything
* Read before the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society,
Dec. 6th, 1902.
ENTOM.—APRIL, 1908. H
82 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
more than a local form of L. complana ; the larve are practically
identical.” * ‘
Mr. Barrett dismisses it as follows: ‘These Lancashire
specimens were at one time supposed to form a distinct species,
described under the names of L. molybdeola, Guenée, and L.
sericea, Gregson, but no line of distinction appears to exist.”
Finally, in the ‘ Record,’ Mr. Prout protests against Mr. Tutt
recording sericea as a var. of complana; he says: “So long ago
as 1867 Speyer pointed out structural differences, not only in the
shape of the wings, but also in the size of the costal tuft of
scales on the under side of the fore wings, not to mention its
colour, &c. Until his observations have been seriously chal-
lenged, and the characters in question proved inconstant, it
seems to me quite unjustifiable to sink sericea as a variety.”
To this Mr. Tutt replied :—
“It has always been one of the greatest puzzles to me why
Lithosia sericea should ever have been considered distinct from
complana. To those who know complana over a fair part of its
area of distribution there is no need to enter into details of the
great difference in size, and to a less extent in wing-shape, due
probably to a somewhat fuller development accompanying the
larger size that exists in specimens of this species from various
localities. Added to this, one finds, as a rare aberration, occa-
sional specimens of complana in Kent, with the superficial ap-
pearance of sericea very strongly developed. With regard to
Speyer’s differentiation of the size of the costal tuft of scales
[ know nothing, nor have I at present time to investigate ; but
the thought arises whether this is more than a slight specializa-
tion due to the same conditions of environment that have pro-
duced what to me seems nothing more than a well-marked local
race of a very widely distributed species. Cannot a parallel
examination of eggs and larve, both obtainable in Britain, be
made for specific differences, if these exist ? Is not the material
available for a comparison of the genitalia? At present I am a
sceptic as to the specific claims of sericea, but my scepticism
perhaps is based on very insufficient grounds. There is, I
believe, in the Ent. Weekly Intelligencer, a trenchant criticism
of Speyer’s remarks by one of the Lancashire collectors, who
took the insect freely on the mosses in the fifties.”
It is interesting to note that Prout says Speyer pointed out
the differences in 1867, whereas Tutt says there is a criticism of
this in the ‘Intelligencer,’ the last volume of which was pub-
lished in 1861, so that the criticism was given six years before
the gentlemen wrote the article—which shows the cleverness of
the old Lancashire collectors !
* Meyrick is quite unreliable: he puts Oporabia autwmnata, jiligram-
maria, and dilwtata together as one species, also Cidaria russata and im-
manata, whose times of appearance, hybernation of pupa, &c., and structure
of genitalia, must entitle them to be considered separate species.—F. N. P.
SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN LITHOSIDE. 83
Such, then, is our knowledge. It would be interesting to
know why Mr. Barrett puts Guenée’s name before Gregson’s,
and also why he is so dogmatic in using the word ‘ supposed ;”’
it evidently is not accepted, by Mr. Tutt’s remarks made after
Mr. Barrett’s statement.
I had long wished to examine the structure of the genitalia,
and very gladly accepted Mr. G. O. Day’s kind offer to send me
worn males. These I have very carefully examined and com-
pared, but, alas! the result is a negative one. I can see no form
of difference between the two. Some may be inclined to say:
“‘ Why, this at once settles the point; the species has been doubted
all the way through ; now the genitalia being identical confirms
the well-grounded suspicion.” But it is not so, nor is it wise to
jump to conclusions from negative results. During my investi-
gations I have repeatedly found very closely connected species
possess organs so similar that I have found it impossible to dis-
tinguish any difference, although the imagines may have an
abundant difference in wing-markings and breed true to type ;
also that the larve may differ. One point of differentiation is
not sufficient, and although I regret that I have failed to decide
this knotty question by genitalia, it will want stronger evidence
than has been brought forward in the bare statements of the
writers quoted, to convince me that sericea is identical with
complana.
I shall presently show that there is practically no structural
difference between the genitalia of complana, sericea, and pyg-
meola ; and as all are agreed that the latter is a distinct species
from either of the former, although having similar genitalia,
therefore there is no proof of the identity of complana and
sericea because the genitalia in these two species agree.
Whether the genitalia may be used exclusively for classifica-
tion or not, it seems to me, will depend upon how far it aids other
means. In this paper I do not intend to attempt this, but give
the results as I find them, and leave it for others to make what
use they like of them. The method I have adopted is to take
the simplest form as the start, and gradually lead up to the
highest or most complicated form. The portions I compare
consist of the harpes, situated at either side of the body; the
claspers, which are the hooks inside the harpes; the uncus, a
large spine on the dorsal portion which projects between the
harpes and which, as many of the preparations are flattened, is
bent sideways; and, lastly, a most important organ connecting
the base of the harpes which I call the juxta.
Lithosia mesomella (Fig. 1).—Harpes are squared at the apex ;
the claspers are broad for three parts, then narrowed off to a
chitinous point; the uncus is slightly contracted near the tip,
the juxta is wide, bent towards the centre, and corners without
the acute angle.
H 2
84 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Lithosia complana (Fig. 2).—The harpe is rounded; the clasper
is broad for three quarter parts, then narrowed off to a chitinous
point. The uncus is parallel, and the juxta is fairly wide with
two acute angles on the upper surface, one at each corner.
Lithosia sericea (Fig. 8).—The harpe is rounded, the clasper
is broad for three quarter parts, then narrowed off to a chitinous
point. The uncus is parallel; the juxta is a little narrower, with
two acute angles on the upper surface, one at each corner,
smaller than in the preceding species.
Lithosia pygme@ola (Fig. 4).—The harpe is rounded; the
clasper is broad for three-quarter parts, then narrowed off to a
chitinous point. The uncus is parallel, much broader than pre-
ceding species. The juxta has the two acute angles similar to
the above species, but again smaller. With the exception of
pygmeola being smaller than sericea, and the latter smaller than
complana, these three species are so closely similar that I do not
think I could tell the species by examination of the genitalia
alone, without comparison in size.
Iithosia caniola (Fig. 5).—The harpe rounded; the clasper
broad for three-quarter parts, then narrowed to a chitinous
point; the uncus slightly thickened in the middle. The juxta is
broad and curved, highest in the centre, gradually narrowing off
and giving the appearance of steps.
Lithosia quadra (Fig. 6).—Harpe rounded and indented at the
apex; the clasper sharply broadened out for one-third, where
there is a little knot of spines, then as suddenly narrows into the
chitinous point. The uncus strong, slightly narrower at the base.
The juxta I have been unable to quite make out, but it appears
to be bent over and divided into two round lobes.
Lithosia aureola (Fig. 7).—The harpe rounded; the clasper
broad at the base for about a half, when it narrows off to the
chitinous point, which is file-like for a small portion of the tip.
The uncus is long and tapered. The juxta is bifurcated and
lobed, the lobes being furnished with file-like teeth.
Lithosia complanula (Fig. 8).—The harpe is rounded; the
clasper broad for about one-third, when there is a little knot of
short file-like teeth, and just beyond narrows to the chitinous
point, which is clothed with the file-like teeth; the uncus long
and parallel, and the juxta is squarely angulated with acute
angles.
Lithosia muscerda (Fig. 9).—The harpe is bluntly pointed
with a projecting blunt tooth on the lower apex; the clasper
broadens out for a little over a third, when it becomes clothed
with the file-like teeth and narrows off toa point. The uncus
is long and slender, but not acutely tapered until near the tip;
the juxta is rounded.
Iithosia helveola (Fig. 10).—The harpe rounded ; the clasper
is parallel for three quarter parts, when it narrows, then widens
SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN LITHOSIDA. 85
to narrow again to a sharp tip, beak-like. The uncus is short,
wider near the apex and pointed, and the juxta is deeply indented
in the centre, the tips being long-pointed.
Lithosia griseola (Fig. 11).—The harpes are pointed; the
clasper rapidly broadens out, when it takes a round turn; toothed
at the edge of the rounded portion, falling almost straight down
to the chitinous point; the uncus is elegantly shaped upwards,
when it broadens out and is abruptly angulated to a point. The
juxta is produced into a long chitinous spine about half as long
as the harpes.
Lithosia rubicollis (Fig 12).—The harpe is rounded; the
clasper runs up fairly parallel to about three-quarters, when it
takes a backward curve, leaving a deeply emarginate curve, and
then makes the chitinous point. The uncus is very long and
tapered, and the juxta is bifurcated into two round lobes.
Inthosia miniata (Fig. 18)—The harpe broadens out and
becomes deeply emarginate at the apex; the claspers about a
third up become thickly clothed with fine spines up to about
three-quarters, when it makes its chitinous point; the uncus is
long and parallel, and the juxta is not distinguishable in my pre-
paration, but this is immaterial on account of the distinctness of
the harpes and claspers.
With regard to the tuft of scales on the under side of the
costa, which I believe is referred to by Speyer, whose article
I have not seen, although I have searched through the ‘ Ento-
mologists’ Intelligencer’ for the criticism mentioned by Tutt.
This tuft of scales lies under the yellow stripe, and is, as far
as I can see, about the same length in good specimens of com-
plana and sericea, but is very different in colour, being yellow,
same as the costa in complana, and silky grey in seficea.
This brings me to the shape of the wing, which in sericea is
said to be narrower than in complana. I cannot agree that this
is so, for in all the specimens of sericea that I have seen the fore
wings have not been fully flattened out in setting, and as they
are apparently inclined to fold over on the costa, the collector
does not appear to have taken sufficient care in setting, and
thus the costa is in each case bent over, giving an appearance of
narrowness to the wing; but may there not be some real reason
for this undevelopment ? The species is known to run smaller as
a rule, and of course raises the question of unsuitability of food,
environment, &c., which, if carried to an extreme extent, may
produce pygmeola.
I think it is now generally accepted that dampness is one
cause of melanism. One of the differences given is that the
hind wings are darker. It has been pointed out by Mr. Joseph
Collins, of Warrington, who rediscovered the species, that since
his acquaintance with it some of the localities have been drained,
with the natural result that the darkness of the hind wings has to
86 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
a certain extent disappeared, or, at any rate, is not so marked as
in old specimens, but that the silkiness of the wings (from which
Gregson named the species sericea) is still the same. It would
be interesting to know if Mr. Tutt’s Kent specimens occasionally
show this silkiness, or does the ‘‘ superficial appearance’’ he
speaks about only belong to the darkening of the hind wing ?
To sum up, I give the arguments in favour of sericea being a
variety on the one hand, and a good species on the other :—
FOR BEING A VARIETY. FOR BEING A SPECIES.
Peculiar to mosses. Shape of fore wing.
Similar specimensfoundin Kent Colour of costal tuft.
(Tutt). Difference in larvee.
Dampness producing melanism. Colour of hind wings.
Silkiness of fore wings.
Genitalia—because pygmeola is
also similar to it and com-
plana.
With these points I leave the matter. I do not think the
variety theory has at all been proved. I am therefore of opinion
that until eggs of sericea produce undoubted complana, and vice
versd, old Gregson’s name and differentiation will stand good, and
that we have two species in Lithosia complana and Lithosia sericea.
The Elms, Dingle, Liverpool.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE.
1. Cybosia (Lithosia) mesomella. 7. Lithosia awreola.
2. Lithosia complana. 8. Lithosia complanula.
3. Lithosta sericea. 9. Pelosia (L.) muscerda.
4. Lithosia pygmeola. 10. Lithosia helveola.
5. Lithosia caniola. 11. Lithosia griseola.
6. Ginistis (L.) quadra. 12. Gnophria (L.) rwbicollis.
13. Miltochrista (Calligenia) miniata.
[The editor is responsible for generic names in the Eixplana-
tion of Plate. |
SOME BRITISH FORMS OF MELITHA AURINIA.
By Percy EH. Frexe, F.E.S.
I nave been much perplexed by this extremely variable
species, and I have found my first efforts to learn something
definite about its many forms have only led to greater perplexity
and confusion.
On looking over a mass of material from many localities, and
trying to make it fit in with some of our leading recognized
arrangements, Mr. Tutt’s or Mr. Kane’s for instance, I have
SOME BRITISH FORMS OF MELITMHA AURINIA. 87
found only too often my attempts have left my comprehension
of the subject in a worse state than ever. In this I am not
alone. Some of my friends, men too of some experience, have
very indefinite opinions on the subject, or no opinion at all. I
therefore set about systematically studying the markings in
detail, following each spot or blotch through its variations, and
endeavouring to arrive thereby at a more definite understanding
of the classification and distribution of the species. My ex-
perience and material, however, are very limited compared with
those of many others, and I have therefore set down the following
notes in the hope that someone who has more thoroughly mastered
the subject may be able to help me, and others like me, to a
better comprehension of it.
Melitea aurinia (Rott.)—Upper side. Fore wings.—From
the costal margin to the costal nervure is the dark blackish
brown which forms the boundaries of most of the colour
spaces. This I speak of hereafter as dark. Here it is more
or less flecked with ochreous or light scales.
The inner margin to the first nervure is dark throughout its
whole extent. The base of the wing is dark. Beyond that the
discoidal cell is divided into four most irregularly shaped areas
or spots, of which the first and third are ochreous, and the
second and fourth fulvous red. Another fulvous, acutely tri-
angular spot occupies the space at the junction of the second
nervure with the discoidal cell.
Beyond the dark base of the wing, between the first and
second nervures, are four irregular spots, corresponding in colour
to the four in the discoidal cell, and which with them might
almost be said to form four bands across the base of the wing,
were it not for their very irregular shape, and that the fourth
band is broken by the triangular spot before referred to.
Outside the discoidal cell—towards the hind margin—is a
double ochreous row (the first row), separated and bounded by
dark bands, and further broken up by the dark nervures into a
double series of elongated, somewhat quadrangular, ochreous
blotches, longest in the centre, and narrowing into shorter and
often irregular spots, as they approach the costal margin and the
middle of the wing: The double row of ochreous spots is con-
tinued as a single row to the first nervure by broadly marked
quadrate blotches.
Outside the dark mark which bounds the ochreous, a reddish-
fulvous band (the second row) passes across the wing to the
first nervure, and is broken by the dark nervures into quad-
rangular spots with ochreous centres, having their hind margins
concave, and that next the base of the wing convex. Beyond
this, and separated from it by a dark waved band, is a row of
semilunar spots (the third row), their convex sides next the base
of the wing being ochreous, and their straight sides next the hind
88 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
margin fulvous. Between this row and the hind margin, and
parallel to it, is a narrow double dark line with slight fulvous
interspace. The fringe is a mixture of dark and ochreous scales,
those at the ends of the nervures being all dark. No two speci-
mens, however, agree exactly. The colour of the costal marginal
area varies according to the preponderance of the light scales.
The areas I have mentioned as crossing the base of the wing
vary greatly in relative size and in outline, and are often more
or less obliterated by the extension of the dark colour.
The rows of ochreous spots beyond them are often suffused
with fulvous, thereby approaching var. artemis. The band of
fulvous blotches beyond them varies in colour according to the
extension, contraction, or obliteration of their ochreous centres.
The succeeding row, which I have described as semilunar, are
sometimes extended to squarish blotches, at others reduced to
specks. - The double narrow black band is frequently fused into a
single dark marginal stripe, beyond which the only light scales
are found in the fringe. This is often distinctly banded, dark at
the ends of the nervures, with quite light interspaces.
The Hind wing.—The base and inner margin are dark. Near
the base of the discoidal cell is generally a small ochreous spot,
followed by a dark patch, then ochreous, and then fulvous.
Behind the discoidal cell (towards the hind margin) runs a row,
or series, of elongated ochreous spots, corresponding to, and
practically a continuation of, the first row of the fore wing.
These become shorter and more quadrate as they near the anal
angle.
Behind the dark line which bounds these is a second row,
the most conspicuous, and the most persistent through all
varieties, of any of the wing markings. The spots are large
quadrilaterals, roughly speaking, though their hind margins
are concave. ‘They are a bright fulvous red, with a well-marked
round black spot in the centre. They are practically a continua-
tion of the second row of the fore wing. The third row, next
_ the hind margin, being a continuation of the third row of the
fore wing, is composed of semilunar spots, their hind margins
being the straight side. The colour, however, differs from that
of those on the fore wing by being very pale straw colour without
any fulvous or ochreous. Behind them are the dark marginal
band (double or single as in that of the forewing) and the fringe.
Variety is chiefly in the extension of the dark basal area,
which reduces or obliterates the coloured spots, and which
reduces, but I think never obliterates, the ochreous spots of the
first row. In the colour of the red bands, from bright fulvous
red to dull orange. In the hind wing, in the extension of the
fulvous second row, which sometimes, near the costal margin,
obliterates the first row, and in the size of the semilunar spots
of the third row, which when enlarged become very striking
THE YOUNG LARVA OF LIPHYRA BRASSOLIS. 89
owing to their pale colour, but which are frequently reduced to
mere dots or streaks by the extension of the marginal black
border. The black dots in the centre of the second row of spots
vary considerably in size, being sometimes mere dots, at other
times becoming decided quadrate spots, and sometimes appear-
ing also in the spots of the first row.
In any given locality where the species occurs it is generally
found that the stamp of the local variety, whatever it may be,
exercises a predominating influence over most of the specimens
taken there. The local variety in its most pronounced form is
not usually the most abundant. Often do we find the great mass
of our captures are individuals showing a strong affinity to the
standard of the local variety, but embodying therewith a leaning
towards one or other forms of the species, with occasionally a
more decided approach to such forms.
In this way, I believe, the type form of aurinia is perhaps the
most widely spread in Britain. In almost every locality therein
from which I possess specimens, an approach to the type
shows itself in some individuals. Rarely pure, I admit, in
many places, but coloured more or less by the local race.
Most decided in northern England and southern Scotland.
Less so in southern Ireland, the south-west of England, and
south Wales. Still less so in central Ireland. Least of all,
perhaps, in south-eastern England. Some specimens from
Saxony are very markedly of this form, though var. artemis
perhaps prevails more in many continental localities.
(To be continued.)
THE YOUNG LARVA OF LIPHYRA BRASSOLIS, Westw.
By T. A. Cuapman, M.D., F.E.S.
REFERRING to my note as to an error in connection with this
larva (‘ Entomologist,’ 1903, p. 36), it appears from a letter just
received from Mr. Dodd that there is no immediate chance of
the problem being cleared up. In my note, I acted on Mr.
Dodd’s definite statement that the larva described was that of a
moth, and not that of ZL. brassolis. It now, however, appears
that he only infers this to be a moth because it resembles
another which he knows to be a moth and is in fact not very
distantly related to Tinea. Of the larva before us he knows
nothing, except that it eats the ant larve, precisely what he
tells us of L. brassolis. He does not know what becomes of
it. He does not know the larva of ZL. brassolis in the younger
instars.
Now this larva before us is certainly not a micro, except
90 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
perchance a Limacodid or Zygenid. If it were a Limacodid, one
would expect some cutaneous armature on so small a larva.
The main point, however, is that Mr. Dodd’s surmise that
this larva is a Tineine is only a surmise, and, at that, without
foundation. Queensland may have surprises in store for us as
to larval structure, as in other things, but 1 think we must not
invent them before they are proved.
This small larva is, then, a macro, with high probability a
Lycenid. What, therefore, more likely than that it is the
desired young larva of L. brassolis? It will certainly be curious,
should this be so, that Mr. Dodd should have accidentally for-
warded it as such without knowing he had done so, and believing
all the time it was something else.
Provisionally, then, and as a working hypothesis till the con-
trary is proved, I assert that this larva is the young larva of
L. brassolis.
It is only just to Mr. South to say that he has throughout
believed that this was the larva of ZL. brassolts, but, like myself,
had to bow to Mr. Dodd’s apparently definite statement.
I do not know that Mr, Dodd will have any objection to my
quoting the following from his letter of Jan. 12th, 1903 :—
“The drought has killed many trees, and caused many others
to drop their leaves, so that they were as bare as Hnglish trees
in the winter; consequently there has been very little food for
the green ants, and they have perished in many places where
they were very numerous before; and where the ants have out-
lived the drought, there were to be found no signs of ‘ brassolis.’
It is just possible that in such a time of scarcity the ants were
compelled to eat any larve in their nests; no doubt if they
tackled them in their early stages they could easily destroy
them.
“‘When I obtained my fine supply (they emerged last January),
I naturally expected a big crop would follow and be obtainable in
the nests in various localities, but much searching ended in keen
disappointment.
“‘T have not seen a larva during the whole year... ”
‘Fyrom the ants’ nests I obtain two larve, one with rounded
segments (same as you received from Mr. South), another with
toothed or saw-like edges. I know nothing of the round-seg-
mented one, except that is in the ants’ nests and sucks their
larvee.
« |... It is absolutely certain that UL. b., in its maturer
stages, feeds upon ant-grubs.”’
Betula, Reigate: February 24th, 1903.
91
DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW SPECIES OF CLYTHRIDA
(PHYTOPHAGOUS COLEOPTERA).
By Martin Jacosy.
(Continued from p. 64.
MELITONOMA OCCIPITALIS, 8p. Nn.
Fulvous ; the breast and abdomen black; eyes surrounded by a
black stripe; thorax extremely minutely punctured with four spots
placed transversely; elytra very closely and distinctly punctured ; a
small humeral spot, another below the scutellum, and a third one,
larger, near the apex, black. Length, 6 mill.
Hab. Salisbury, Mashonaland (G. Marshall).
Of subcylindrical shape ; the head fulvous, with three fovex, placed
in a triangle, rugosely punctured between the eyes, the latter large,
ovate, entire, preceded by a narrow black band; clypeus triangularly
emarginate in front, labrum flavous; antennex extending to the middle
of the thorax only, black, the lower three joints flavous ; thorax trans-
versely subquadrate, the sides nearly straight, the posterior angles
rounded, the dise with a few fine punctures at the sides, fulvous, with
four round black spots placed transversely ; scutellum pointed, fulvous,
the base black ; elytra rather distinctly lobed below the shoulders, very
closely, finely, and irregularly punctured, the interstices finely trans-
versely wrinkled below the middle, the shoulders with a small black
spot, a larger spot placed near the suture below the base, and another
much larger one of elongate shape near the apex of each elytron; legs
entirely fulvous; under side black, closely pubescent.
Of this very distinct species Mr. Marshall obtained two speci-
mens, of which I am not able to state the sex with certainty; the
tarsi are rather short.
MELITONOMA CLAVAREAUI, Sp. Nn.
Pale flavous; the head, femora, and the abdomen partly black,
closely pubescent ; thorax impunctate ; elytra very finely and closely
punctured, each with five small black spots (1, 2, 2); tibie and tarsi
flavous. Length, 64 mill.
Hab. Guelidi, Africa.
Head flat, black, closely pubescent, the epistome triangularly
emarginate, the vertex impunctate; eyes large, entire; antenne
extending to the base of the thorax, black, the lower three joints
flavous ; thorax strongly transverse, much narrowed at the sides, the
anterior margin straight, the posterior angles rounded, the surface im-
punctate, flavous, shining ; scutellum black ; elytra very closely, finely,
and irregularly punctured, feebly lobed below the shoulders, flavous,
with the usual five small black spots, one humeral and the others
slightly before and below the middle, placed transversely; below
densely pubescent, of silvery tint, the legs rather long and stout, the
tibie and tarsi flavous, the first joint of the latter as long as the
92 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
following two together ; the first or the first two abdominal segments
flavous, the others black.
Lacordaire has described three species in which the tibie and
tarsi are likewise flavous; these are M. truncatifrons, in which
the head is impubescent and finely strigose, and the elytra have
an oblique band, although this is sometimes divided into spots as
in the above species. M. sobrina, Lac., is described as haying
the tarsi nearly as long as the tibie, and belongs perhaps to
another genus. ‘The third species (M. litigiosa) has the thorax
of subquadrate shape, and not narrowed in front; in the present
species this part is much deflexed at the sides, and the latter are
sreatly narrowed; the colour of the abdomen is also different.
I have probably only female specimens before me, which I
received from Mons. Clavareau, with the locality as given.
PEPLOPTERA BRAUNSI, Sp. 0.
Black ; thorax fulvous, with three black bands, impunctate ; elytra
strongly punctate-striate, flavous; a sutural band, abbreviated ante-
riorly, a short stripe at the middle of the lateral margins, and an
oblique spot on the shoulders, black ; the apex of the tibie flavous.
Mas.—Thorax broad, the tibie strongly dilated, the anterior ones
slightly curved. Length 8 mill.
Hab. Algoa Bay (Dr. Brauns) ; Dunbrody (Rev. O’ Neil).
Very closely allied to P. curvilinea, Jac. (Trans. Ent. Soc. 1901),
but certainly distinct. The head black, rugose punctate between the
eyes, and with a rather deep fovea at the middle; antenne black, the
lower four joints flavous; thorax broad, with rounded sides, fulvous,
entirely impunctate, the sides with an elongate black spot from the
base to the middle, the dise with a black band, broad at the base,
strongly narrowed anteriorly, and extending to the anterior margin;
scutellum black ; elytra with strong regular and closely placed rows of
punctures, the shoulders with an elongate oblique black spot, the
lateral margins with a narrow black stripe from before to below the
middle, the suture with a very regular black band not extending to the
base; under side closely pubescent, the femora strongly thickened, the
tibie dilated, flavous, except the extreme base; tarsi very broad,
dilated.
The thorax in this species is broader than in P. curvilinea,
and has three black bands instead of one, and the sutural stripe
is of regular shape, not widened posteriorly; the tibie of the
male are more strongly dilated, and of almost entirely flavous
colour ; lastly, the species is larger and broader in shape. I
received three specimens from Dr. Brauns in Natal, and several
others from the Rev. O’Neil in Cape Colony.
Micropy@a, gen. nov.
Elongate and subcylindrical; eyes rather small; thorax trans-
verse, the sides strongly rounded and narrowly margined, the basal
lobe broad but feebly produced, posterior angles rounded ; scutellum
pointed ; elytra distinctly but not strongly lobed below the shoulders,
THE AUCHENORRHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA. 93
only partly covering the pygidium; legs rather elongate, the tarsi
moderately broad, their first joint as long as the following two together.
There is no genus amongst the Clythride into which the
present species may be satisfactorily placed, principally on
account of the strongly rounded and widened sides of the thorax
and the partly uncovered pygidium, which agrees nearly with
Diapromorpha, but the thorax in that genus is of totally different
shape.
MicRoOPpYGA TRANSVALENSE, Sp. 0.
Under side black, pubescent; upper side fulvous: thorax im-
punctate; elytra strongly punctured in closely approached rows; a
semicircular spot on the shoulders and a transverse band below the
middle black; base of the tibie fulvous. Length, 7 mill.
Hab. Transvaal.
Head impunctate at the vertex, the latter convex, intraocular space
finely rugosely punctured, with a single small fovea; another one is
placed at the base of the antenne; clypeus very feebly emarginate
anteriorly, the anterior edge black; eyes slightly notched ; sides of
the head truncately produced below the eyes; antennz comparatively
elongate, black, the fourth and following joints strongly transversely
serrate; thorax twice as broad as long, of equal width, the sides and
the posterior angles strongly rounded, the disc rather convex, entirely
impunctate, fulvous; scutellum rather broad, obsoletely carinate,
blackish; elytra not wider at the base than the thorax, the basal
margin ridge-shaped, the punctuation arranged in closely approached
irregular rows; an angular semicrescent spot or band placed at the
shoulders, not extending to the suture, and another slightly oblique
band below the middle extending nearly to either margin, and slightly
widened near the suture, black; under side black, closely pubescent,
the base of the tibie fulvous; prosternum not visible between the coxe.
I have three specimens before me, which I received from Mr.
Fruhstorfer.
ON THE MORPHOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE
AUCHENORRHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA.
By Dr. H. J. Hansen.
(Continued from p. 67.)
4, Fulgoride.—This family naturally falls into two principal
divisions, viz. Fulgorine and Delphacine, the last being marked
out by the long-known powerful movable spur at the apex of the
posterior tibiew, whilst this spur is lacking in all Fulgorine ; in
the next place (see above) the sensory organs on the second pedun-
cular segment of the antenne are furnished with bristles in the
Delphacine, but in the Fulgorine with lamellar lobes, ‘‘ blades,”
which sometimes are feebly but generally very well developed.
94 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
The division Fulgorine may be again divided, but this I am
not able to realize in detail owing to the inadequacy of my
material for research. Of Stal’s twelve subfamilies belonging to
this family, a considerable number must be rejected, partly
because the characters employed by this author are of a largely
heuristic nature, and of poor value; partly because the antennal
sensory organs (see above) belong to different types, whose
occurrence points to the presence of natural groups as their
occurrence coincides with other peculiarities in the insect’s
structure. Thus at least the ‘‘ Fulgorida,” ‘‘ Dictyopharida,”
and ‘“‘ Cixiida,” Stal, must be thrown into one group, whose
sensory organs (in the genera examined by me) are endowed
with an encircling of spiniform processes ; there is also strong
agreement in the structure of the empodia, &c. Next, at least
the ‘‘HKurybrachida’” and ‘‘Issida”” must be amalgamated,
though from the last-named ‘ subfamily” the peculiar genus
Tettigometra, and perchance other forms, must be separated ;
the group thus composed (with Issus, Hurybrachys, and Cal-
liscelis as important representatives) is characterized by their
sensory organs showing from some to many plain “blades,” but
not any surrounding circle of spines. T'ettigometra (at least
with the addition of the surely very closely allied Jsthmia, Stal,
unknown to me) must stand as type of a little group characterized
by the above-mentioned conspicuous sensory organs, and by the
altogether peculiar structure of the insects. Then “‘ Ricaniida”’
and “Flatida’’ (and perchance ‘“‘Acanoniida,’ Stal) must be
thrown together, showing strong similarity in the structure of
the wings, scutellum, &c., and agreement in the sensory organs,
which are surrounded by peculiar processes, and possess exceed-
ingly few sensory ‘‘blades.”” On ‘‘ Achilida,” ‘‘ Tropiduchida,”
‘* Derbida,’’ and ‘‘ Lophopida,” I do not venture to express any
opinion ; the probabilities are that in the end a portion of their
forms must be placed in the same group as Cixius, while the rest
may possibly form one whole group, or very few small ones.
I perceive quite well the meagreness of this last section of
my paper, on account of the entirely inadequate research, and
its lack of thoroughgoing sharp characterization, and I ought
therefore, perhaps, not to have dealt with it. On the other
hand, it occurs to me, however, to contain divers propositions,
critical elucidations and hints, that will be of significance for a
future systematist, who, with the aid of lens and microscope, will
undertake the difficult task of a thoroughgoing group-erection of
related Jassid and Fulgorid genera, with adequate material; this
last is absolutely necessary, if these erections are to possess some
lasting value. If this aim is approached, I think then that this
section (with the more special researches on antenne, tibie, and
tarsi, on which it is based) will have its justification as a small
preliminary work.
95
ON THE PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA AND TENTHREDI-
NIDZ COLLECTED BY MR. EDWARD WHYMPER
ON THE “GREAT ANDES OF THE EQUATOR.”
By P. Cameron.
In the ‘‘ Supplementary Appendix” to Mr. Edward Whymper’s
‘Travels amongst the Great Andes ef the Equator,’ 1891, I
described the ants taken by Mr. Whymper during his memorable
journey in Ecuador in 1880. The parasitic species are not numer-
ous, being only twelve in number, but the new genera are seven.
They are, however, of great interest from their having been
taken at great elevations, most of them having been captured at
altitudes of from 7000 to 18,800 ft. Some of the genera re-
corded in the ‘ Travels,’ p. 856, are erroneous, or are used in a
wider sense than they are by more recent writers.
ICHNEUMONIDA.
IcHNEUMONINI.
TYANITES, gen. nov.
Post-petiole widely dilated; its width double its length dorsally-
ventrally ; the apex of the abdomen bluntly pointed. Median segment
without teeth; the areola large, longer than wide, at the base separated
from the depression by a keel; the lateral aree are not distinctly -
separated. Apex of clypeus bluntly rounded, almost transverse.
Antenne as long as the abdomen, short and stout; the basal joints of
the flagellum not much longer than wide. Areolet 5-angled, much
wider at the apex than at the base, through the cubitus having an
oblique slope from the base to shortly beyond the middle; the disco-
cubital nervure without a stump of a nervure. Legs short and stout ;
the tarsi stoutly spinose on the under side.
The head is well developed behind the eyes; the face is flat and
not clearly separated from the clypeus; the apical tooth of the
mandibles is long and sharply pointed; the subapical is short and
blunt. The pronotum is bordered laterally by a stout keel, and there
is a stout keel between the two hinder coxe. Scutellum large, flat ;
at the base it is as wide as its length ; it becomes narrowed gradually
towards the apex, and is not margined at the sides ; the post-scutellum
is widely bifoveate at the base. The post-petiole is flat in the middle,
and not much raised above the sides. The second segment is smooth ;
not striated at the base. There are seven abdominal segments; the
last is well developed all round, and is as large as the preceding. The
third and fourth joints of the tarsi are distinctly narrowed at the base,
and widely roundly emarginate at the apex.
Comes near to Probus.
TYANITES RUFIPES, Sp. NOV.
Black; the basal half of the antenne reddish-yellow; the apical
half brownish beneath; a mark on the pronotum and the scutellum
yellowish; the basal two segments of the abdomen red; the legs
ferruginous-yellow, with the coxe and trochanters black; the wings
96 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
hyaline, the stigma testaceous, the nervures darker coloured. ?.
Length, 11 mm.
Hab. Hac. Antisana, 138,800 ft.
Head black; the inner orbits and the sides and apex of the clypeus
yellow; the mandibles for the greater part rufous. Face strongly
punctured, closely in the centre, more sparsely on the sides; the
clypeus has a row of punctures on the upper and lower edges. Front
and vertex closely and coarsely, the outer orbits more widely and not
so strongly punctured. Mandibles dark rufous, their apex black.
Palpi dark testaceous. Pro- and meso-thorax closely and distinctly
punctured; the sternum smooth and more shining. The edges of the
propleure behind are irregularly striated ; and there are some stout
strie below the hinder edge of the tubercles. The metapleure are,
if anything, more strongly punctured than the meso-. Scutellum
punctured closely, but not strongly, round the sides; the central part
is only sparsely punctured. Post-scutellum coarsely aciculated and
closely punctured ; the basal fover are large, round and deep. Meta-
notum coarsely, closely rugosely punctured ; the apical slope is closely
rugose; the lateral apical keel in the middle projects into a broad,
not very prominent, tooth. Legs covered with a pale down; the tibial
and tarsal spines are rufous. The petiole is dark rufous (perhaps it is
discoloured), the post-petiole is closely punctured ; the second segment
is ferruginous; the gastroceli shallow, impunctate.
VABSARIS, gen. Noy.
é. Antenne not longer than the abdomen, stout, distinctly taper-
ing towards the apex; the joints not serrate. Head with the temples
broad, rounded, not obliquely narrowed. Face flat; the apex of the
clypeus broadly rounded. Scutellum roundly convex, not much raised
above the level of the mesonotum; its sides not keeled. Median
segment not spined; its spiracles small, about three times longer than
wide, straight, rounded at the base and apex; the areola distinctly
wider than long. Wing areolet 5-angled; the disco-cubital nervure
without a stump of a nervure. Abdomen bluntly pointed at the apex;
the ventral keel is on segments 2, 3, and 4. Legs short and stout ;
the tarsi thickly spinose.
There is a narrow keel before the middle of the propleure ; the
face slightly projects in the middle; the areola is widely separated
from the base of the segment, which is widely, deeply depressed, and
has its sides bordered by a keel.
In Ashmead’s arrangement (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. xxiii. p. 18)
this genus would come in near Amblyteles. I only know the
male; but that should be readily known by the short thick
antenne, by the broad temples, rounded, not obliquely narrowed,
behind, by the median segment not being spined, and by the
short metathoracic spiracles, which are not only shorter, but
broader than they are in Amblyteles or Pseudamblyteles.
VABSARIS FORTICORNIS, Sp. NOV.
Black; the legs, the second abdominal segment, the apical two-
thirds of the third, and two marks on the centre of the fourth, ferru-
PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA AND TENTHREDINIDA. 97
ginous ; the cox and trochanters black, and there is a broad black
band on the under side of the hinder femora at the apex; the wings
are hyaline; the stigma light, the nervures dark, testaceous. ¢.
Length, 10 mm.
Hab. Hac. Antisana, 13,300 ft.
Antenne black, stout, distinctly tapering towards the apex; short,
not much longer than the head and thorax united. Head black, the
inner orbits narrowly yellow; strongly and closely punctured, except
the clypeus and the lower part of the front; the clypeus smooth, with
an irregular row of punctures round the top and bottom. Mandibles
black, broadly rufous in the middle. Palpi pale testaceous and covered
with white pubescence. Thorax closely and strongly punctured, and
thickly covered with white pubescence; the basal half of the propleurz
is smooth in the middle, sparsely punctured on the top and bottom ;
the punctures on the apical hali are close, large and elongate. The
scutellum is punctured; the punctures are smaller and more widely
separated than they are on the mesonotum. Metanotum irregularly
rugosely punctured ; the posterior median area is closely transversely
striated. Legs rufo-testaceous; the cox and trochanters are black ;
the tarsi are thickly spined. The petiole is sparsely punctured; the
post-petiole impunctate; the second segment is obscurely punctured
round the edges; the gastroccli smooth, shallow; the third segment
is closely, but not very strongly, punctured ; the others are smooth,
HEMITELINI.
LARSEPHNA, gen. Nov. ;
Median segment with two distinct transverse keels and no lateral
ones. Metathoracic spiracles oval. Discoidal cellule closed at apex.
Transverse median nervure in hind wings not broken; the first
abscissa of radius half the length of the second. Antenne 22-jointed,
the basal three joints of flagellum equal in length. Parapsidai furrows
indistinct and widely separated.
The eyes are large. The cubitus is obliterated beyond the areolet ;
the metapleural keel is complete; the basal keel on the metanotum is
broadly turned backwards in the middle, and is united to the base of
the metanotum by two short oblique keels, which form a small area.
The apex of the clypeus is rounded; the occiput is margined. Stigma
large, triangular.
This genus is referred to the Hemitelinit from its general body
form, and from the alar neuration ; but the absence of longitu-
dinal keels on the metanotum and its consequent absence of
* areve are more characteristic of the Cryptina. There is a genus
of Hemitelini—Chirotica, Foer.—which has not the metanotum
areolated ; but the present species cannot be referred to it.
(To be continued.)
ENTOM.—APRIL, 19038. 1
98 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW CETONIID BEETLE FROM
BRITISH EAST AFRICA.
By HK. A. Hearn, M.D., F.L.S.
PL@SIORRHINA UGANDENSIS, Sp. NOV.
Head, pronotum, and scutellum brownish olivaceous, lateral margin
of pronotum, the elytra, the sternal process, a small spot at the base
of head beneath, sternum and abdomen, luteous; base of the elytra,
sutural margin, and apex of the elytra a little transversely produced
upward on each side, brownish olivaceous. Elytra, scutellum, and
thorax finely punctured, the segments of the abdomen in alternate
bands of luteous and brownish olivaceous. Legs luteous, with their
upper margins blackish olive. The tibie of the middle, and hind legs,
finely fringed with yellowish hairs, as also is the olivaceous pygidium.
Long. 9 lines. Max. lat. 5 lines.
Hab. Uganda, B. EH. Africa (W. A. Crabtree).
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
Tue Insect Fauna or tHe Country or Essex.* —There are probably
few among the present generation, particularly those who dwell in the
less urban disiricts, who do not take an interest in some branch of
natural history, the study of insect life in some form perhaps being
the most popular. To such, a well-compiled list of the fauna of a
given area is a useful work of reference, and those responsible for the
plan of the ‘‘ Victoria History” have done well in devoting a large
share of the space at their disposal to this subject.
The section under notice occupies 102 pages, of which the first is
devoted to an introduction, setting forth the sources from which the
information for compiling the lists has been obtained, and the methods
* Section ‘Insecta’? from the ‘ Victoria History of the Counties of
England.’ (London, 1903. Archibald Constable Limited). Issued to sub-
seribers only.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 99
employed in dealing with it. Orthoptera occupies three pages, in which
some twenty-one species, namely three earwigs, three cockroaches,
seven grasshoppers, six locusts, and two crickets are enumerated. ‘To
the Neuroptera and Trichoptera the next four pages are devoted, about
three-fourths of the known British species of dragonflies being men-
tioned. Hymenoptera claims nineteen pages ; Coleoptera nineteen ;
. Lepidoptera forty; Diptera nine; Hemiptera five; and the remaining
two pages are occupied with a brief life-history of the Aphides. It
will thus be gathered that something more than a mere list of names
is given, and even in those orders where this barren system has been
resorted to, much of the objection that might be taken to it is removed
by an introduction setting forth the chief characters of the order dealt
with, and calling attention to the more important species and their
economic bearings. The Lepidoptera is treated in narrative form
throughout, and forms a very interesting and complete history of that
order for the county of Essex. English names are used for the
butterflies, Sphinges, and Bombyces, and for some of the more familiar
species in some other orders, but, as they are invariably accompanied
by bracketed scientific names, identification is easy, and no exception
can be taken to their use ; indeed, having regard to the class of readers
into whose hands a county history is likely to fall, their retention is
perhaps an advantage.
The name of the compiler of the lists is not definitely stated, but
we have good reason for believing that this portion of the work was
carried through by Mr. W. H. Harwood, than whom few have a better
all-round knowledge of this county’s insects, or would be better able
to make full use of the information generously supplied by the nume-
rous field-workers and specialists whose names appear in the first page
of this section.
The first sentence of the introduction concludes with the words,
‘Tt is hoped that the information now given will be of value as well
to the student of economic entomology as to the collector,’’—a hope
that we cordially endorse, but we wonder how many “collectors” or
“students of economic entomology’’ there are in this agricultural
county of Essex that are in a position to obtain the costly volumes in
which the information is contained. It seems a pity that these inte-
resting lists, purposely written in a popular style, should not be obtain-
able as separata at a popular price.—R. A.
Larv® or Vanessa potycHitoros.—In the summer of 1901 I found
a brood of the larve of this butterfly feeding on one of the highest
branches of a balsam poplar in my garden, and, as I wanted a fresh
series, I shook some of them down, and placed fifty of the largest in a
* breeding-cage. They were then nearly full-grown, and in the course
of a few days all had changed to healthy-looking pupx. But I only
bred one butterfly, the other pupx being all stung, and upon opening
some of them I found them crammed with the small larve or pup of
Apanteles; some of them contained more than a hundred. Last season
these larve were unusually abundant, and on July 8th, while riding
between Dovercourt and Walton-on-the-Naze, I must have seen scores
of their nests on elms by the roadside. From these I obtained fifty
that were just full-crown, and fifty about a quarter-grown. ‘The latter
I sleeved on a wych elm in my garden, and thought, as they were so
100 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
small, they would probably be free from parasites. But from the
hundred or so pupe I only bred one butterfly, the remaining pups, as
in the previous year, being all stung. Are these larve usually so
dreadfully infested ? Very few seem to have escaped last year in this
neighbourhood, for I do not remember having seen any of the butter-
flies on the wing during the late summer, and if only a small proportion
of the larve that were about had produced imagines I should surely
have seen some of them.—Gerrvase F. Matnew; Dovercourt, Essex,
March 18th, 19038.
THe Mitp WeatHer.—We have had some remarkably mild weather
here since the beginning of last month. Hawthorn bushes were bursting
into leaf in sheltered places as early as February 9th, and sallows were
in bloom before the end of the month. At the present time the hedges
are looking quite green where there is much hawthorn, and elm shoots,
willow, blackthorn, bramble are all coming out. I visited the woods
yesterday, and found some of the sallow bushes already passing.
Pieris rape was seen on February 18th and 19th, and yesterday Vanessa
cardut was noticed sunning itself on a brick wall.—GervaseE I’. Matuew.
Tue Hasirs or Tacuytes anp Paranysson.—On June 7th, 1899, I
found some large wasps of the genus Tachytes burrowing in the soil on
the campus of the Agricultural College at Mesilla Park, New Mexico.
They made mounds about two inches high and six in diameter, the
tunnel being half an inch in diameter, and going down a foot or more.
Owing to the extreme looseness of the soil, I was quite unable to trace
the burrows to the end; one, which [ left apparently hopelessly spoiled,
was nevertheless opened up again by the wasp next day. The specimens
of Tachytes captured were females, and in Fox’s table (Proc. Philad.
Acad., 1893) they run to 7. crassus, from which they differ by the red
femora. I do not regard them as representing a new species, however,
as I am confident that they are 7’. evornatus, Fox, known hitherto only
in the males. Paranysson texanus, Cresson, was very common about
the burrows, entering them freely, as though it were parasitic on the
Tachytes. What we are to understand from this fact, I do not know.—
T. D. A. CockeRELu.
‘‘Himperor or Morocco.’’—In reply to Mr. W. F. Kirby’s question
(ante, p. 17), I note that the Rev. F. O. Morris, in his ‘ History of
British Butterflies,’ uses the name ‘‘ Hmperor of Morocco” as a
synonym of ‘‘ Purple Emperor.” —R. F. Townprow; Malvern Link.
Ovirositinc or Hrastria FuscutA.—For the past few years I have
attempted without success to induce Hrastria fuscula to oviposit. I
have enclosed sprays of bramble and raspberry with the female, both
of which are given as its food-plant. Molinia cerulea, or purple melic-
grass, I have not tried, as I have never found it growing where I take
the insect. Perhaps some entomologist who has met with better
success will come to my assistance.—Cuas. H. Partriper; 72, St. John’s
Park, Blackheath.
Merrin’s Catenpar.—We are pleased to hear that it is proposed to
issue a new edition of ‘ Merrin’s Lepidopterists’ Calendar.’ The work
is being undertaken by E. E. B. Prest, M.A., F.Z.S., and H. M.
Stewart, M.D., M.A. We understand that these gentlemen will
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 101
cordially welcome any offers of help from practical lepidopterists, and
any entomologist willing to assist is asked to communicate with H. K. B.
Prest, Awa, Dacres Road, Forest Hill, 8.K.
Cassipa viripis in Canapa.—Last summer, Mr. A. F. Winn, of
Montreal, when on a collecting trip at the Lévis Heights, Quebec,
obtained a large number of a species of tortoise-beetle new to our
cabinets. Considerable attention was drawn to this insect, on account
of the authorities differing as to identification. The Rev. HK. Roy,
Lévis College, published a long account of it, with illustrations, in
‘Le Naturaliste Canadien,’ xxix. 145, calling it C. thoracica, IL, a
species known in the United States; and the Rev. Dr. T. W. Fyles,
also of Lévis, in the ‘ Canadian Entomologist,’ xxxiv. 278, recognized
it as viridis, Linn. These differences of identification created quite a
searching up of references and looking for types. By the kindness of
B. Towlin, Chester, England, who sent me specimens of viridis cap-
tured in Cardiff, Wales, I am now sure that the Rev. Dr. Fyles is
right. They have apparently come to stay, as large numbers were
found feeding on the burdock, Arctium lappa, Linn., a weed no one
will object to their eating up. It must have been carried over among
the food for animals brought to this country.—CuarLes STEVENSON ;
Montreal, Que.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
Larva or Piusia moneta.—I thought it might interest your readers
to know that the larve of P. moneta are beginning already to feed in
gardens. I took three larve this morning, in the garden, in this
road ; they were in the tops of the new shoots of the monkshood, under
a sunny fence. Last year I was successful in rearing to the imago five
larve which I found in the same place, but the larve this year are
nearly as large in March as they were at the beginning of May last
year.—Ep. G. J. Sparxe; Christchurch Villas, Tooting Beck, S.W.,
March 26th, 1903.
Hesperia (SYRICHTHUS) MALV& Var. TARAS IN SussEx.—On or about
June 15th last year I took, at Hailsham, a fine example of the form of
Hl. malve in which the usual white markings are confluent. The
form is figured in Newman’s ‘ British Butterflies’ as Hesperia lavatere.
—J. B. Browne; 48, Southbrook Road, Lee, S.K.
Rearing ENNoMOS EROSARIA AND KE). ruscantartaA.—I too, like Mr.
Oldaker (ante, p. 29), reared Hnnomos erosaria and EI. fuscantaria
during the last season, but my experience has been very different from
his. I ‘‘sleeved’’ out my larve of both species before the first week,
—erosaria on an oak in my garden, and fuscantaria on an ash in the
neighbouring park,—taking care in the latter case to put the sleeve
sufficiently high to be out of the reach of cattle. Of the erosaria I
should think at least eighty per cent. attained the perfect state, coming
out at the beginning of August, of full size, with hardly a cripple
among them. fuscantaria grew much more slowly, and I had not so
large a percentage of moths, but those I did get were equal in size to
what I have taken at large. I attribute my success to the sleeving,
102 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
which I believe to be by far the best plan for all larve which do not
enter the earth to pupate; and if Mr. Oldaker has not tried that plan,
I would suggest that he should do so next time he has ova of these
two or any other “‘thorns.’”’—( Rev.) Cuas. F. Taornewin; Calverhall
Vicarage, Whitchurch, Salop, Jan. 7th, 1903.
SOCIETIES.
Enromonocican Society or Lonpon.—February 4th, 1903.—Pro-
fessor KH. B. Poulton, M.A., D.Se., F.R.S. (President), in the chair.—
The President announced that he had appointed the Rev. Canon
Fowler, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S., Professor Raphael Meldola, F.R.S.,
and Dr. David Sharp, M.A., F.R.S., F.L.8., as Vice-Presidents for the
Session 1903-1904.—Mr. T. Ashton Lofthouse, of the Croft, Linthorpe,
Middlesbrough, was elected a Fellow of the Society. — Dr. T. A.
Chapman exhibited two male specimens of Orina tristis var. smaragdina,
taken at Pino, Lago Maggiore, on May 80th, 1902, still alive; and
living larvee of Crinopteryx familiella, second generation, bred from the
ege at Reigate, the parent moths having been taken at Cannes in
February, 1901.—'The Rev. F. D. Morice exhibited, with drawings of
the abnormal parts, an hermaphrodite of Hucera longicornis, Linn.,
showing one female antenna normal, and one male antenna remarkably
shortened and with the joints greatly dilated; the clypeus and labrum
one half white (the male character), and the other half black as in the
female. In the abdomen and legs the female character predominated,
but one half of the apical segments and genitalia seemed to be male. In
the discussion of hermaphroditism which followed, Dr. Sharp stated that
Father Wasman had announced the discovery that in certain Diptera,
parasites of Termites, the individual commences its imago life as a male,
and ends as a female—a phenomenon entirely new to. entomology,
though paralleled in some other groups.—Mr. R. Mclachlan, F.R.S.,
exhibited a living example of Chrysopa vulgaris, showing the manner
in which this species, which is ordinarily bright green, assumes a
brownish colour, the abdomen being often marked with reddish spots
in hibernating individuals.—Mr. W. J. Lucas submitted specimens of
Miris calcaratus, and some fruit of a grass, swept up together by Mr.
W. J. Ashdown, on the canal side near Byfleet, on July 14th, 1902.
The similarity of form and colouring constituted a probable case of
protective resemblance.—Major Neville Manders exhibited two speci-
mens of an undescribed species of Atella from Ceylon ; and remarked
that it was a very local insect, only found in the Nitre Cave district,
one of the localities most remote from civilization in the island. It
was probably a well-marked local race of A. alcippe, but easily distin-
guished from any known species of the genus by tbe apex of the fore
wing being entirely black. — Mr. F. B. Jennings exhibited British
specimens of two species of Hemiptera-Heteroptera, viz. two females
of Drymus pilipes, Fieb., a rare species of the family Lygaeide, which
were found among dead leaves on a hillside near Croydon in September,
1901; and the black aberration of Miris levigatus, L., recorded by him
in the EK. M. M. for 1902. The species of Miris and the allied genus
of Capside, Megalocerea, are ordinarily grass-green, or pale yellowish.
SOCIETIES. 108
—Mr. H, J. Elwes, F.R.S., exhibited two cases of Arctic butterflies.
The first contained specimens from a collection formed by Mr. David
Hanbury on the Arctic coast of North America, in the region where
the Parry expedition was lost. Of the butterflies observed—fifteen
Species in all—two had not been taken since they were first described
by Curtis sixty years ago. Among them was Colias boothii. This
Species, in comparison with Colias hecla, Lef., is undoubtedly distinct
in both sexes, but it is most remarkable that the male in colouration
and markings appears to approximate more closely to the characters
usual in the females of other members of the genus. The collection
contained nothing new, but included the rare and curious Argynnis
improba, Butler, hitherto taken only in Novaya Zembla ; a remarkable
aberration of A. chariclea, Schn., in which the black netting marks
were resolved into smeared black lines; A. pales, for the first time
from this region, precisely similar to the form taken on the east of the
Lena river in Siberia ; and Cenonympha tiphon closely resembling the
form from Kamtschatka. The second case contained specimens col-
lected by a Russian between Jakutsk and Verchojansk in north-eastern
Siberia at about the same latitude, 67°, as the preceding exhibit.
They included many species which occur in the western palzarctic
region, such as Aporia cratagi, Triphysa phryne, Cenonympha iphis,
Argynnis selene, A. ino, Melitea phebe, &e., and most remarkable of all
Neptis lucilla. Also Parnassius delius, which Mr. Elwes said was the
first Parnassius he had seen from within the Arctic circle, and Colias
viluiensis, Mén., an insect peculiar to Siberia, showing remarkable
female aberrant forms.—Mr. C. O. Waterhouse gave an account of a
nest of a bee, T’rigona collina, recently received from Malacca. Speci-
mens were exhibited, as were also males and a worker of the much
smaller species, Trigona rujicornis, Smith, received at the same time
from Singapore, and sent by Mr. H. N. Ridley.—Mr. W. J. Kaye ex-
hibited two drawers containing Danaine, Ithomiine, and Heliconine
species from British Guiana, all of similar colouration, and forming a
Miullerian association with a black hind wing. A diagrammatic table
was shown with the exhibit, which included the following species :—
Ithomiine, Melinea crameri, M.mneme, M. egina, M. n. sp., Ceratinia
veritabilis, C. sp., Mechanitis doryssus; Danainee, Lycorea ceres, L.
pasinuntia ; Heliconine, Heliconius vetustus, H. namata, H. sylvana,
Fueides n.sp.; and Krycinide, Stalachtis calliope.—The following papers
were communicated :—‘‘On the Hypsid Genus Detlemera, Hibner,”’
by Colonel Charles Swinhoe, M.A., F.L.8. ‘An Account of a Collec-
tion of Rhopalocera made in the Anambara Creek in Nigeria, West
Africa,” by Mr. P. J. Lathy. ‘‘ Some Notes on the Habits of Nanophyes
duriewt, Lucas, as observed in Central Spain by Mr. G. C. Champion,
F.Z.8., and Dr. T. A. Chapman, M.D., F.Z.8., with a description of the
larva and pupa by Dr. T. A. Chapman.’’—H. Rowzanp-Brown, Hon. Sec.
Sour Lonpon Enromonocican anp Narurat History Socrery.—
January 8th, 1908.—Mr. F. Noad Clark, President, in the chair.—
Mr. Oldaker, of Dorking; Mr. Spitzby, of Canonbury; Mr. Priske, of
Acton ; Mr. Pratt, of Richmond; and Mr. Goulton, of Balham, were
elected members.—Mr. Goulton exhibited an extreme form of the
light-coloured Folkestone race of Hmaturga atomaria.—Mr. Chittenden,
a short series of Hphyra pendularia, including very fine examples of
ad
104 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
the rosy form, v. subroseata, from Staffordshire; very pale examples
from Chislehurst, and light-banded forms from Ashford.—Mr. Lucas,
on behalf of Mr. Kemp, an aberration of Hnallagma cyathigerum with
one stigma missing.—Mr. Kemp, a collection of the genus Donacia,
comprising sixteen species. He called particular attention to the great
variation shown by D. discolor, and pointed out the empty cocoon
which clearly showed the small perforation which communicates with
the intercellular air-spaces of the root to which it is attached.—Mr.
Kaye, examples of Amorpha austauti and Smerinthus atlanticus from
N. Africa, together with the exceedingly rare hybrid, metis, the produce
of A. austauti, male, and S. atlanticus, female. He also showed the
hybrid, hybridus, the produce of 9. ocellatus, male, and A. populi,
female.—Mr. Adkin read the Report of the Field Meeting held at Ot-
ford, Kent, on June 21st, 1902.—Mr. Step read the Report of the Field
Meeting held at Byfleet on July 19th, 1902.—A large number of slides
were exhibited by Messrs. Step, Lucas, Dennis, Tonge, Cant, Kaye, and
Clark, comprising illustrations of protective resemblance in insects,
studies of wild flowers, flowering and fruiting habits of our more common
trees, ova of Lepidoptera, and special collecting spots. Mr. Kaye’s slides
were from photographs taken during his tour in British Guiana.
Annual Meeting.—January 22nd.—Mr. F. Noad Clark, President,
in the chair.—The early part of the meeting was devoted to receiving
the Report of the Council and Officers for the past year, the election of
Officers and Council for the coming year, and the reading of the
President’s Address.—The following is a list of Officers and Council
elected for the Session 1903-4 :—President, E. Step, F.L.8.; Vice-
Presidents, F’. Noad Clark and J. H. Carpenter, F.1i.S.; Treasurer,
T. W. Hall, F.E.S.; Hon. Curator, W. West; Hon. Librarian, H. A.
Sauzé; Hon. Secretaries, S. Edwards, F.L.8., and H. J. Turner,
F.K.S.; Council, R. Adkin, F.E.S., T. A. Chapman, M.D., H. T.
Fremlin, F.E.S., A. Harrison, F.L.S., G. W. Kirkaldy, F.H.S., W. J.
Lueas, B.A., and H. Main, B.Sc.—Mr. Hy. J. Turner exhibited speci-
mens of Sympetrum sanguineum from the Black pond, Esher, and from
Staples pond, Loughton, both being new localities. He also showed
Papilio macrosilaus and P. philolaus from S. America.
February 12th. Mr. E. Step, F.L.8., President, in the chair.—
Mr. Barnett exhibited a very lightly marked specimen of Hmaturga
atomaria, and avery pale example of Tephrosia luridata (extersaria),
both from W. Wickham woods.—Mr. Hy. J. Turner (1) Hrasmia pul-
chella, a Chaleosid moth, and one of the most brilliantly coloured of
the Lepidoptera ; Campylotes histrionicus, another species of the same
family; and Areas galactina, an Arctiid, all from Darjeeling. (2)
Specimens of Abraaas sylvata (ulmata) from Amersham, Bucks, and
from Assam, almost identical in tint and markings. (8) On behalf of
Mr. Day, of Carlisle, a box of local Coleoptera, consisting of some three
dozen species, and including Hydrothassa hannoverana, Omalium sep-
temtrionts, Agabus congener, Stenus guynemeri, Hydroporus pictus, H.
incognitus, &e. (4) A box chiefly of Pyralide from Assam, including
representatives of some twenty-five genera.—Mr. Enock gave a lantern
demonstration dealing chiefly with details of the transformations of
the dragonfly, Brachytron pratense, and the butterfly, Gonepteryx
rhamnui.—Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Rep. Sec.
Entomologist, May, 1903 Plate I.
West, Newntan chromo.
Callithéa adams, Sp) 720M.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vou. XXXVIL1 MAY, 1908. [No. 480.
A NEW SPECIES OF CALLITHEA FROM PERU.
By Percy I. Laruy, F.E.S.
Prats II.
CALLITHEA ADAMSI, sp. NOV.
Upper side :—Fore wing shining purplish blue, deepening to black
on lower discal area, a marginal green border slightly tinged with gold,
this border widest on costa; apex and upper part of outer margin dark
green. Hind wing shining purplish blue, costa and inner margin
blackish, a marginal green border slightly tinged with gold, this border
widest at anal angle. Under side :—Fore wing green tinged with gold,
inner margin and lower discal area blackish, a basal orange patch not
extending so far in cell as on costa and inner margin ; four submarginal
black spots between upper discoidal and lower median nervules ; of
these the two lower are the larger. Hind wing green tinged with gold,
a large basal orange patch, beyond this four rows of black markings,
the first just beyond cell being incomplete, the spot below costal
nervure and that beyond cell being best defined; the next row is com-
posed of large equal-sized spots, with the exception of the two next the
inner margin, which are not so wide as the others; the third row con-
tains smaller spots, the two next inner margin being again smaller
than the others; in the fourth row the markings are small and linear.
Cilia of both wings white above and below. Exp. 62-70 millim.
Hab. Peréné, Peru. 4000 ft. In Coll. H. J. Adams.
Fifteen males, including type.
Mr. H. Watkins, my collector in Peru, has been fortunate
enough to obtain a good series of males of this very beautiful new
species. The female yet remains to be discovered. C. adamst is
allied to C. degandii, Hew., C. srnkai, Hew., and C. bartletti, Godm.
and Salv.; it may however be at once distinguished from all these
species by the restricted basal orange area of the hind wings
below ; in the three above-mentioned species the orange extends
to beyond cell, and adjoins the inner row of black markings. In
ENTOM.—May, 1908. K
106 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
C. adamsi the orange does not reach end of cell, and is well
separated from the first row of markings; also, in the new
species, the inner and outer series of markings are not nearly so
well defined as in C. degandii and its allies.
NOTES ON THE RESTING ATTITUDE OF ZAMACRA
FLABELLARIA.
By Miss D. M. A. Bate.
Waite making a small collection of moths in Cyprus, several
specimens were obtained near Limassol of Zamacra flabellaria,
one of the Geometride. When displayed in the drawer of a
cabinet it would most probably be passed over by the uninitiated
as an uninteresting-looking moth marked with several shades of
brown, apparently its only claim to notice being the possession
by the male of large and feathery antenne. However, when
seen alive and at rest, one is immediately struck by the remark-
able peculiarity of the position it assumes. As may be seen in
the accompanying photograph, which represents the male insect
slightly larger than its actual size, the fore wings are held erect
almost vertically above the thorax, and at the same time each is
folded much in the way that a fan is closed. The under wings
are also folded, but to a smaller extent, and are only slightly
raised above the body, the hinder end of which is also raised,
reminding one of the manner in which a woodcock holds its tail
while squatting on the ground. The antenne, at the same time,
lie close along the sides of the body.
This moth flies at night, often coming into houses, attracted,
RESTING ATTITUDE OF ZAMACRA FLABELLARIA. 107
as usual, by the lamplight. One caught at night and covered
with a tumbler was found in the morning to be still in this
characteristic position, thus making it possible for its photo-
graph to be taken.
This species is an inhabitant of countries washed by the
Mediterranean, being found in Greece, Syria, and Morocco, as
well as in the islands of Sardinia, Sicily, and Cyprus. In
general appearance the Cypriote specimens are slightly darker
than those from other localities in the collection of the British
Museum.
This moth was originally described by Herr Heeger in 1838
as Amphidasis flabellaria (‘ Beitrige Schmetterlingskunde,’ p. 6,
Wien, 1838), when he mentions its peculiar method of folding
its wings like a fan, on which account he gave it the name of
flabellaria. He also gives a figure of it at rest, but this does not
convey a very good idea of the position, for the wings are
depicted as much more loosely folded, and the hinder pair less
closely held against the body than appears in the photograph.
Writing of it in 1860 (Ann. Soc. Ent. France, t. 8" Paris, 1860),
M. Bellier de la Chavignerie compares its position when in
repose to that of some of the Ptérophores, or plume moths.
Apparently the only other moths noticed as folding their
wings in any way approaching the manner of Z. jflabellaria
belong to quite distinct groups, and are very much smaller, with
the exception of the angle shades. ‘These roll up their wings,
but hold them in a normal position, while the moths of the
genus Gathynia, included in the family Epiplemide, fold their
wings and spread them out in the form of across. In the third
volume of ‘The Fauna of British India’ Sir George Hampson
writes of this genus, which is found in India and Ceylon, that
‘‘the species repose in the form of a cross, with the fore wings
rolled up at right angles to the body, the hind wings folded close
to the body.” From this description it will be seen that the
resemblance lies chiefly in the fact that each has a peculiar
method of folding the wings, and that here the likeness ends, for
in one the fore wings are held vertically, and in the other
horizontally. Hence this peculiarity has evidently been inde-
pendently arrived at, and it seems natural to conclude that there
must be considerable advantage to be gained by its adoption.
» However, without knowing the details of its life and habits, it is
difficult to imagine how this attitude could be of any particular
use or protection, unless, as Mr. Frohawk suggests, the moth is
in the habit of settling on the trunks or branches of trees, in
which case the narrow folded wings would closely resemble a
loosened piece of bark or a broken twig.
K 2
108 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
SOME BRITISH FORMS OF MELITAA AURINIA,
By Preroy E. Frexe, F.H.S.
(Concluded from p. 89.)
Var. artemis (Fab.).—In this form the whole of the ground
colour is from pale fulvous to brownish fulvous, with the excep-
tion of the outer row of (semilunar) spots on the hind wings,
which are lighter. The dark markings which form the boundary
lines, reticulations, and base of the wing, are scarcely so much
developed perhaps as in the type, certainly not more so. The
chief variation of the pure form seems to be in the more brown
or red tint of the fulvous, although (except in Hast Kent) varia-
tion towards the colouring of the type is common, first showing
in an ochreous tendency of the first band of the fore wings, from
which every graduation up to the type (awrinia) may be found.
In its most pronounced form I believe this variety occurs in
eastern England (Kent), south-west England, and South Wales,
especially the first, where I have found it less inclined to vary
from its local type than those from other localities. I have,
however, no specimens from northern England, Scotland, or
Ireland that I could refer to it.
Var. preclara, Kane.—Mr. Kane, in treating of this species
(‘ Entomologist,’ 1893), describes this variety as having “ the
red and central pale series very vivid in colour, and the black
reticulations darker than the type. Ground colour black,
strongly and broadly marked, defining the colour blotches
sharply, but not reducing them in colour or size. These are of
a brilliant terra cotta tint, but the central transverse series
(double on the fore wing) are of bright straw colour.”
In comparison with the type, the most striking characters
of the variety are, that the ochreous colouring is now a pale
straw colour, which contrasts very strongly with the blacker tone
of the dark markings. The fulvous red is also perhaps somewhat
brighter. This is the prevalent form in Ireland. All my Irish
specimens, from several localities, are, with very few exceptions,
more or less stamped with the characters of this form. One or
two individuals from Kildare alone could be said to be really of
the aurinia type. The highest development of this variety
which I have are from Westmeath, many of them being
extremely strong contrasts of black and whitish-straw colour,
even the space between the costal margin and the costal nervure
being sometimes very light.
Mr. Tutt, in his ‘ British Butterflies,’ says, ‘‘ We have
specimens labelled Delamere Forest.’’ I have never myself
seen any English specimens that could be referred to this form.
Its variation seems to be towards the type on one side and
towards var. scotica on the other. It is the direct opposite of
SOME BRITISH FORMS OF MELITHA AURINIA. 109
var. artemis, which I have never found in Ireland. The black
spots in the fulvous second row of the hind wing are sometimes
surrounded with ochreous. This occasionally occurs to a slight
extent in the type also. The black spots are sometimes com-
pletely absent, giving a peculiarly red aspect to the hind wing.
Ab. virgata (Tutt).—‘‘ The central straw-coloured band of
the fore wings is normally divided at the top by a black streak.
This is sometimes absent, the two series are united, and the
band is broad and very conspicuous.” (Tutt, ‘Brit. Butterflies,’
p. 317.) This aberration is not very uncommon in Irish speci-
mens. I have some from Westmeath in which it is carried to
an extreme extent. One, a male, has no red, except on the
second row of the hind wings. The first row white and large,
the inner white spot conspicuous, otherwise the inner half of the
hind wing is black. In the fore wing, the usual fulvous markings
are almost white. The base of the wing is whitish, almost to
the body, with a dull dark spot across the centre, and on the
hind margin of the discoidal cell. A dull, rather faint streak of
dark colour passes from the middle of the inner side of the
discoidal cell to the first nervure. The pale spots of the first
band are confluent and much extended, occupying almost the
whole central portion of the wing to the first nervure; even
the usual dark space between this and the inner margin is
nearly white. In other specimens the whitish first band is con-
fluent and much extended, and forms a broad whitish blotch
across the wing to the first nervure, but the base of the wing is
always dark, and there is always some reddish tint in the second
row of the fore wing.
The direct opposite of this aberration is found where the
dark areas are very black, and so much extended as to greatly
reduce, and even often obliterate, many of the other markings.
The relationship to var. virgata is shown in the suppression
of the fulvous colouring, giving the specimens a black and white
appearance, but here the black colour predominates instead of
the whitish. In some males that I have from Westmeath, the
basal half of the fore wing is black, but sometimes a small white
spot is visible near the centre of the discoidal cell. A more
distinct one always appears at the hind margin of the cell. The
first row is much reduced in size, and is of a clear whitish colour.
* The second row small, white, with a slight trace of pale fulvous
at the hind margin of the spots. Throughout the whole wing
the black is much extended, diminishing the other markings.
The hind wing is black to the first row, which is small but
distinctly whitish. In the second row the spots are small, but
the fulvous colour undimmed, and there is always some trace of
the whitish third row, as small distinct spots in the wide black
marginal band.
In some females this effect is carried still further. The
110 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
whitish markings are more reduced in size, the inner series of
the double first row being sometimes almost obliterated. With
the exception of a white spot at the hind margin of the discoidal
cell, and another just inside it, the wing is quite black to the
first row, which, being small, extends the black almost to two-
thirds of the wing. The fulvous in the fore wing is represented
only by a trace along the outer edge of the second row. In the
hind wing the black practically extends to the fulvous second
row, the first row being only represented by a string of small
white spots. Most of the specimens are of small or moderate
size. I think this form might fairly be called ab. nigra.
Var. scotica (Robson).—Similar to the last aberration in the
extension of the dark marking, but the whitish is much duller,
and is often replaced by reddish ochreous, which makes a very
handsome variety, having an appearance which might be termed
black and tan or tortoiseshell.
Mr. Kane (‘Entomolvgist,’ 1893) says of it: ‘‘ The straw-
coloured patches are of a duller tone than those of the preceding
variety { praeclara]. The fulvous submarginal band of the fore
wing is suffused centrally with yellowish, but that of the hind wing
usually retains its normal colour and size.’’ He says of the black
colour: ‘‘ Filling the basal area of all the wings up to the fulvous
discoidal patch in the fore wing, and the pale central series of
the hind wing, the pale discoidal spot of which, however, is
usually retained.”’
The only specimens I have of this form are from Westmeath
and Kildare. It was named, I believe, from specimens from
Aberdeen, but I have never seen the types.
Ab. hibernica (Birchall).—In the ‘ Entomologist,’ 1898, Mr.
Kane gives a translation of Birchall’s description. Male. Wings
above black. Fore wings ornamented with fulvous patches
arranged in a series near the hind margin, with a number of
others in the middle white or whitish straw-coloured, joined at
the inner margin, forming a blotch. The hind wings with a
broad fulvous fascia along the hind margin (the fulvous marks
on the narrow black outer margin of examples of the type being
indistinct or obsolete in the variety.) Beneath pale fulvous,
with similar, but indistinct, pattern.
Female :—Fore wings fulvous, marked with a double row of
white or pale straw-coloured patches, sometimes confluent, and
forming fascie, with the outer band carried on across the hind
wings. Hind wings as in the typical form, but ornamented
with neither pale straw colour nor fulvous patches.
I presume this dark condition is intended to refer only to the
basal part of the wing. I have never seen a specimen of this
species of any variety—even var. merope—that had not some
red on the hind wings. Large size is also given as a charac-
teristic of this aberration.
SOME BRITISH FORMS OF MELIT/ZA AURINIA. 1 ip!
Mr. Kane says that Irish examples of var. scotica usually
pass muster as var. hibernica. This aberration is supposed only
’ to have been found near Rathowen, in Westmeath,
Var. provincialis (Boisd.).—Mr. Tutt says, ‘An almost
unicolorous, fulvous form (except the marginal series of paler
spots on the hind wings), with the transverse lines somewhat
obsolete.” He mentions examples of it from Penarth and
Lincolnshire. I have only continental specimens. In the females
especially, the great suppression of the dark markings is remark-
able, the hind margin of the hind wing retaining it most. The
ochreous spots are redder than usual, and approach in colour to
the rather light and bright fulvous of the other markings. This,
with the great reduction of the transverse lines, give the insects
a generally concolorous appearance, which is in striking contrast
to the much broken-up, tessellated aspect of the type (aurinia).
Var. merope (Prun.).—A dull, dingy form. The red and
yellowish markings in the usual places, but much dimmed,
and the size of many of the normally larger spots reduced, so
that there is not so much difference between them and those in
the smaller row. The dark marking also is dull and hazy. Size
small. Mr. Tutt includes this among the British varieties, on
the strength of some specimens approaching it in the colouration
of the upper side, bred by the Rev. J. 8. St. John. I have only
European specimens from the Alps, but one small female from
Westmeath fairly approaches merope on the upper side. The
dark markings, however, are blacker, and the fulvous (second)
band on the hind wing larger and somewhat brighter. Nor does
the under side correspond with var. merope.
As far as my limited experience goes, it appears to me that
our British forms of the species may be divided primarily into
three leading varieties: aurinia (Rott.), artemis (Fab.), and
preclara (Kane). Besides these we may perhaps include
brunnea, of which I know nothing, and provincialis, of which,
as a British variety, I have no experience. But signifera (Kane)
seems to me to be only one of the many transitional forms, and
not a leading variety, and merope I cannot regard as British.
The first (aurinia) seems in Great Britain to be the more
northern form, also the one which, in most other localities, is
apt to appear among the local variety, and more or less to
- influence it. Thus we find in the southern part of England and
Wales, and in Ireland, individuals which might fairly be called
aurinia, or a more or less close approach to it, appearing among
those which we must refer to the local variety; but even these
last are very variable, and many ‘of them show more or less
traces of the aurinia form.
Variation in this leading variety is from the extreme dark
northern form (scotica) to the type, and through innumerable
transitions inclining towards one or other of the other two leading
112 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
varieties. Scotica (Robson) appears to me to be but a form of
this leading variety, and corresponds with the dark form of
preclara, which I have here spoken of as nigra.
Var. artemis seems to be confined with us to southern
England and South Wales. I have seen no northern English
or Scotch specimens that I could refer to it, and I have never
seen anything approaching it from Ireland. It seems to vary
towards aurinia only.
Var. preclara is the Irish form, and appears to be confined
to that country as far as I know. It varies from aurinia, through
many phases, to the extreme forms virgata and nigra. The latter
corresponds to the scotica form of aurinia, and in these the two
leading varieties approach each other, the chief difference being,
that that of preclara always retains the light markings very
whitish, no matter how much they may be reduced by the
extension of the black parts.
A NEW COCCID OF THE GENUS ASTEROLECANIUM
FROM EGYPT.
By T. D. A. CockEeretu.
Asterolecanium pustulans (Ckll.) var. sambuct, n. var.
?. Scale about 14 mm. diameter, almost circular, slightly convex,
pale yellow, with a rather long dense very pale pinkish fringe.
?. Mouth-parts brownish, diameter about 60»; scattered large .
figure-of-eight (double) glands in the skin, diameter of a gland 12 p;
margin with two rows of simple glands and one row of double, the
simple glands at intervals of about 9 p», the double glands about 9 pu
diameter and 3 (rarely 6) » apart.
Hab. On bark of Sambucus, not producing pits. Le Caire
(Cairo) Egypt; received from Dr. P. Marchal, who received it
from M. Vayssiere. The scale is quite like that of A. pustulans,
there is practically no external difference. The double glands of
the margin are larger and very much closer together than in
A. pustulans. The species of Asterolecanium differ in the arrange-
ment of the marginal glands. In some species (as A. fimbriatum,
A. ventruosum, A. algeriense, and A. viridulum) there are two
rows of double glands; in others (as A. pustulans, A. townsendt,
A. tlicis, A. ilicicola, and A. petrophile) there is only one row.
A. pustulans sambuci is very likely a valid species, but it is so
near to pustulans that I treat it as a variety for the present. It can
be distinguished from A. ilicis by the fringe, and the double
glands of the margin being close together. A. ilicicola occurs
on leaves, and has only one row of simple glands.
East Las Vegas, New Mexico, U.S.A.: Jan. 6, 1903.
113
UPON MATERNAL SOLICITUDE IN RHYNCHOTA AND
OTHER NON-SOCIAL INSECTS.
By G: W. Kirxavpy.
Since my brief note on this subject (Entom. 1902, vol. xxxv.
pp. 319-20) I have seen a lengthy paper by the celebrated J. H.
Fabre [5]* on ‘ Pentatomas,’”’ in which he ridicules De Geer’s
account, and consigns the whole recital to the limbo of fairy
tales.
I have therefore looked up the literature of the subject, and
have now summarized it, in the hope that some of the readers of
‘The Entomologist ’ may be disposed to give the phenomena their
attention during the ensuing months.
(a) ORDERS OTHER THAN RAYNCHOTA.
The earliest reference to parental care in non-social insects
appears to be that of Goedaert [9], who states that the mole-
crickets (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa (Linn.)) take particular care of
their eggs, raising up the nests in a hot and dry season so that
the young almost touch the surface of the earth, and are thereby
cherished by the sun’s heat; contrariwise they sink the nests
down when the air is cold and moist. They also act as unceasing
sentinels round the nest. Rosel [22] cites the above account,
and gives a coloured sectional drawing of the nest and eggs.
’ Audouin [1] states that all authors agree in saying that the
mole-cricket takes the greatest care of its young, but Goedaert
is the only author I can trace who relates his personal observa-
tions.
The discovery of the maternal solicitude of the earwig (or-
ficula auricularia, Linné) by Frisch [6], confirmed and extended
by DeGeer [8], Rennie [21], Kirby and Spence [14], Camerano
[4], &c., is so well known and authentically established by recent
observations, that it is not necessary to dwell upon it. Sharp
[23] states that Labidura riparia ‘‘1is said to move its eggs from
place to place, so as to keep them in situations favourable for
their development,” but I have not been able to trace the original
source of this statement. Burr [3] also notes that ‘‘a certain
entomologist”? (Col. Bingham) ‘‘ once told me that in Burmah,
while sitting round the camp fire one night, they disturbed a
large earwig who was guarding a little batch of eggs. Her first
care was not for herself, but for her eggs. She showed great
concern for their safety.”’
In the Hymenoptera, I do not refer to the well-authenticated
instances of maternal providence in the Sphegide and other
families, this notice being confined to actual personal and con-
* These numbers refer to the bibliography at the close of the paper.
114 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
tinuous care. A summary of the former will be found in Sharp
[24], p. 111. Of the latter there is one instance, viz. Perga
lewistz, Westwood, a Tasmanian sawfly. The habits of this
Tenthredinid were related [16 and 17] by R. H. Lewis, who in-
forms us that the eggs, in number about eighty, are placed trans-
versely in a longitudinal incision between the two surfaces of a
leaf of a species of Hucalyptus. On this leaf the mother sits till
the eggs are hatched. She follows the larve, “‘ sitting with out-
stretched legs over her brood, preserving them from the heat of
the sun, and protecting them from the attacks of parasites and
other enemies.” It should be noted, however, that broods acci-
dentally or purposely deprived of the mother appeared to thrive
just as well. These observations have been briefly confirmed by
Froggatt [7].
In the Coleoptera, the only instances known to me occur in
the Scolytide, among the Ambrosia beetles, and a consideration
of these scarcely comes within the scope of this notice, since they
are not non-social insects. The reader may be referred to Kirby
and Spence [14] and Hubbard [25].
Mr. BR. South and Mr. L. B. Prout are not aware of any in-
stance among the Lepidoptera, and similar advice has been
given me by Mr. G. H. Verrall and Mr. J. E. Collin of the
Diptera, and by Mr. W. J. Lucas of the Neuroptera. Research
on the literature of the Thysanoptera, Anoplura, Thysanura, &c.,
has failed to trace any such records.
I must here also express my thanks to Messrs. W. F. H. Bland-
ford, C. O. Waterhouse, C. J. Gahan, W. F. Kirby, and Drs. G.
Breddin and D. Sharp, for information and hints.
RHYNCHOTA.
The earliest Rhynchotal notice is that of Modeer [18]. In
speaking of ‘‘ Cimex ovatus pallide griseus,” he distinctly affirms
that the eggs are laid in June on the common birch, in num-
ber from forty to fifty, so that the mother can cover them when
she sits over them. She does not abandon them except for brief
refreshment, and cannot be removed except by superior force.
The eggs are hatched at the end of June, and the maternal care
is still exercised, for she protects them against the male, whose
attacks and the defence of the mother are circumstantially
related. The great DeGeer [8] confirms and expands the
observations under the head of Cimezx betule (he gives C. griseus,
Linné, as a synonym !). Boitard [2], in his ‘ Curiosités d’His-
toire naturelle’-—a work unknown to me—embellishes these
accounts, according to Fabre [5], by noting that when it rains
the mother leads her young under a’ leaf or under the fork of a
branch to shelter them, and covers them with her wings. Mont-
rouzier [19] observed the habits of Oceanian Scutellerine, a sub-
family not closely allied to the Acanthosomatine (in which the
MATERNAL SOLICITUDE IN RHYNCHOTA. D5
birch bug is included). His remarks have been recently trans-
lated in ‘The Entomologist’ [15]. Montrouzier appears to have
been unaware of the researches of Modeer and DeGeer. Douglas
and Scott [20] quote a letter addressed to the former by E.
Parfitt, enclosing an adult female and young ones identified as
** Acanthosoma griseum.” This letter circumstantially verifies
De Geer’s observations, which, so Parfitt states, were unknown to
the English entomologist. These habits were still further con-
firmed in great detail, in three notices [10, 11, and 12], by
Hellins, a well-known and most careful observer.
Last year I contributed to ‘The Entomologist’ [15] a transla-
tion of Montrouzier’s observations [19], and noted ‘‘a species of
Spudeus (?)”’ sent by Dr. Willey from Birara (New Britain), of
which I had under my care for study alcoholic specimens appa-
rently confirming the generally accepted opinion. These speci-
mens belong to the Pentatomine Coctoteris exiguus, Distant, a
determination kindly confirmed for me by the author of the
specific name.
So far the five original observers, viz. Modeer, De Geer,
Montrouzier, Parfitt, and Hellins, agree that the female bug
does show parental affection during a comparatively consider-
able period, and the first-named declares that this is, in part
at least, directed against the assaults of the male; but in 1901
J. H. Fabre, the ‘‘ immortal Fabre” of Darwin, and one of the
foremost of modern field observers, has published a lengthy
document [5], in which he declares De Geer* to be mistaken. The
gist of Fabre’s paper is as follows: The grey bugt is rare in Fabre’s
neighbourhood; he found three or four specimens which he placed
under a bell-jar, but they did not oviposit, though eggs were laid
by the green [= Palomena prasinus (Linné)|, red- and black-
speckled |= Hurydema ornatus (Linné)!}, and yellowish [sp. ?] { ;
and Fabre continues, “‘ In species so closely allied, parental care in
one ought, at least in some details, to be discovered also in the
others.’ It cannot be too strongly expressed that the last three
are not at all closely related to the grey bug, for the last-named
belongs to the Acanthosomatine, the other three to the Penta-
tomine, subfamilies distinguished apart by considerable and im-
portant structural differences. Fabre declares that in these
species ‘‘ the mother paid no attention to her brood ; the last egg
laid in its place at the extreme end of the final row, she left,
careless of the trust ; she no longer busied herself with it, and
returned no more. If the chances of roaming bring her back,
she walks over the heap and passes on indifferent. . . . This
* The Swedish master and Boitard are the only authors mentioned by
Fabre, and he appears to be unaware of the independent observations of
Montrouzier, Parfitt, and Hellins.
| Hlasmostethus griseus (Linné)=Acanthosoma interstinctum of Saun-
ders’s ‘ Hemiptera Heteroptera of the British Isles.’
{ Fabre calls these all ‘‘ Pentatoma.”
116 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
forgetfulness must not be considered as a possible aberration due
to captivity. In the full freedom of the fields I have discovered
diverse broods, among which are found, perhaps, that of the grey
bug; never have I seen the mother mounted over her eggs, as
she ought to, if her family required protection as soon as hatched.
The mother is of roving inclination and facile flight ; once flown
far from the leaf which received the treasure, how, two or three
weeks later, will she remember that the hour of exclusion ap-
proaches? How will she rediscover her eggs, and how again
distinguish them from those of another mother? It would be
incredible, such prowess of memory amid the immensity of the
fields.
“‘ Never, I say, is a mother surprised stationary near the eggs
that she has fixed on a leaf, and, more convincing still, the total
brood is divided into clutches scattered haphazard, so that the
family in its entirety is formed of a number of tribes lodged
here, there, and at distances sometimes considerable, but im-
possible to fix precisely. To rediscover these tribes at time of
hatching, earlier or later according to the date of oviposition or
the forwardness of the season, and then to reassemble in one
flock from the four corners of the universe all the little ones, so
feeble and moving so unsteadily—there are in this evident im-
possibilities. Suppose that by chance one of the groups is dis-
covered and recognized, and that the mother devotes herself to
them. The others must in that case be abandoned—and they
do not prosper the less. What then is the motive for this
remarkable maternal zeal with regard to the care of one of the
eroups when the majority are left? Such singularities inspire
mistrust !
‘‘ DeGeer mentions groups of twenty. These would certainly
not be the complete family, but just a tribe resultant from a
partial oviposition. A Pentatoma, smaller than the grey bug,
has given me in a single batch more than a hundred eggs. A
like fecundity ought to be the general rule when the mode of
living is the same. Beyond the twenty observed, what became
of the others abandoned to themselves ?
‘‘ Despite the respect due to the Swedish savant, the caresses
of the mother-bug and the unnatural appetites of the father, de-
vouring his little ones, ought to be relegated to the same limbo
as the childish tales which encumber history. I have watched
in an aviary (voliére) as many hatchings as I wished ; the parents
were near at hand, under the same roof. What do they all do
in the presence of the young? Nothing at all! ‘The fathers do
not dash to drain the juices of their brats! Neither do the
mothers rush to protect them! One flits about the lattice-
work (treillis) {? metal gauze], one settles down to refreshment at
the rosemary, while another walks over the groups of newly-
hatched youngsters, which he tumbles head over heels, without
MATERNAL SOLICITUDE IN RHYNCHOTA. 117
any bad intention, but without any discretion. The little beggars
are so small, so feeble, that, passing by, he grazes them with the
end of his foot and overturns them. Like turned turtles, they
vainly kick about; no one heeds them. During three months’
assiduous observations | have not noted the slightest appearance
of the maternal solicitude so celebrated by the compilers. The
newly hatched bugs, packed one against the other, remain
stationary for several days on the empty eggs; there they
acquire a firmer consistency and brighter colouring. Hunger
comes; one of the youngsters leaves the group in search of
refreshment ; the others follow, happy in their mutual prox-
imity, like sheep at pasturage; the first in moving sets in
motion the whole band, who set out for tender places where
they may implant their beaks and imbibe; then they all return
to their natal place for repose upon the empty eggs. Hxpedi-
tions in common are repeated over an increasing radius, till at
last, somewhat strengthened, the society separates and breaks
up, never to return to its place of birth. Henceforth each one
lives in his own way. What, then, would happen if, when the
troop moves away, there should encounter them a mother of
slow gait, a frequent case among the sedate bugs? The young
ones, I suppose, would confidently follow this chance leader, as
they follow those among themselves who are the first to take to
the road; there would then be some similarity to a hen at the
head of her chickens; this casual occurrence would lend an
appearance of maternal cares in a stranger heedless of her
bundle of brats.
‘“The good De Geer appears to me to have been duped in
some such manner: a little colour, involuntarily embellished,
has completed the tableau ; and then are vaunted in books the
family virtues of the grey bug.”
Fabre has been led into error, first by his ignorance of
systematic Rhynchotology; as I have previously remarked, the
form of bug which DeGeer had under observation belongs to a
subfamily not closely allied to that embracing the bugs watched
by Fabre; secondly, by his negligence of previous literature,
except that of DeGeer (and incidentally Modeer) and Boitard ;
yet we have an independent observer, Montrouzier, ignorant,
apparently, of all previous similar records, who notes a like
habit in yet another subfamily, more remote still from either,
and that almost at the antipodes of Kurope. Moreover, DeGeer’s
accounts are explicitly corroborated by two competent field ento-
mologists whose integrity and capacity have never before been
questioned, and one of these (Parfitt) was by his own account
ignorant of any literature on the subject. So that Fabre’s gibe
at Messieurs the Compilers has failed to score. Boitard’s
account may perhaps be treated a little incredulously, and pos-
sibly also Modeer’s interpretation of the paternal gymnastics.
118 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
In my opinion, at least, it will be necessary to have much more
direct refutation of DeGeer, Hellins, and Parfitt than the ob-
servations of even Fabre on species of another subfamily.
With regard to Fabre’s asseveration that he never once found
a female “‘ Pentatoma”’ stationary near the eggs, this is circum-
stantially contradicted by the precise observations of Hellins and
Parfitt in Hlasmostethus. Neither has the French author proved
his theory, upon which he establishes so large a part of his
assumptions, that the Pentatomide (or at least some of them)
oviposit in more than one place. It is to be regretted that he did
not examine the oviducts of one of the females observed by him.
Moreover, it does not appear that Fabre marked any of the
female Pentatomine observed by him, so as to recognize them in
the event of any ‘“‘chance”’ returns to the original spot. Fabre
also says, ‘‘a Pentatoma smaller than the grey bug has given
me in a single batch more than one hundred eggs,” and insists
therefore that DeGeer’s record of twenty in the grey bug could
have been only a partial laying!!
This confines the subject entirely to the Rhynchota ; now we
have also, as noted above at the beginning of this paper, records
of the devotion of the mother earwig (and of more species than
one), records as well authenticated as such could well be, not
only in written literature, but from living observers who have
not considered it worth while to register what has always ap-
peared as a thoroughly firmly founded fact. The occurrence in
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa seems also authentic, while the recent
confirmation by Froggatt, after seventy years’ interval, of Lewis’s
observations on Perga lewisii establishes this remarkable case
beyond doubt, and it is especially interesting to note that in
other Australian species of the same genus entirely different
larval habits are known to obtain; the latter is another argu-
ment against Fabre. What is there of incredibility in the whole
recital? What a limited demonstration of affection, or at least
of intelligent power, compared with that displayed by the social
Hymenoptera and Neuroptera! Fabre argues as if parental
solicitude and the sense of direction were unknown among the
Insecta, and his sneer at the inadequacy of the memory of the
mother-bug to rediscover the original place of oviposition is
remarkable enough from the historian of the habits of the
Hymenoptera.
To conclude, Fabre may prove to be right, and Goedaert,
Frisch, Modeer, De Geer, Kirby and Spence, Rennie, Montrouzier,
Boitard, Lewis, Parfitt, Hellins, Camerano, Froggatt, and Bing-
ham, all, to a man, wrong; but even if so, Fabre has proved
nothing at present beyond the fact that the females of two or
three species of Pentatomine, not particularly closely observed
by previous authors, did not manifest any regard for their pro-
geny during his observations. It is perhaps not the “ good
MATERNAL SOLICITUDE IN RHYNCHOTA. 119
De Geer” who ‘‘has been duped” but Fabre, who has been led
astray by his ignorance of the systematics and bibliography of
the Rhynchota.
BrsuioGRaPpHy oF OriGiInAL Paprrs, &c.
[1] 1885.—J. V. Aupoumn, Histoire naturelle des Insectes, ix. p. 196.
(Quotes Goedaert on the mole-cricket.)
[2] (?).—P. Borrarp, Curiosités d’Histoire naturelle. (This is cited
on the authority of Fabre ; I cannot trace any such work.)
[3] 1897.—M. Burr, ‘‘ Goodwill towards Earwigs” in ‘ Goodwill,’
a Monthly Magazine for the People, iv. p. 114. (Mentions maternal
affection in a Burmese earwig.)
[4] 1880.—L. Camerano, ‘“ Note intorno allo sviluppo della Forficula
auricularia, Linn.’ in Bull. Soc. Ent. Ital. xii. pp. 46-50. (Original
observations. )
[5] 1901.—J. H. Fasre, ‘‘ Les Pentatomes,” in Revue des Questions
Scientifiques, 1. pp. 158-76. (Adverse criticism of De Geer.)
[6] 1780.—J. H. Frrscu, Beschr. von alley Insecten in Teutschland,
&e., vill. pl. xv. (Notes on the ‘‘ Ohr-Wurm.’’)
[7] 1901.—W. W. Froeeartr, “ The Pear and Cherry Slug (Hrio-
campa limacina, Retz., generally known as Selandria cerasi), with notes
on Australian Sawflies,” in Agric. Gazette, N.S.W., xii. pp. 1063-73.
(Confirms, pp. 1068-9, Lewis’s account of Perga lewisti, and figures
the latter.)
[8] 1773.—C. De Geer, Mémoires pour servir a l’histoire des In-
sectes, lll. pp. 261-6 (extensive details of the maternal behaviour of
Cimex betula), and iii. pp. 548-51 (the same of Forficula auricularia).
[9] 1662.—J. Gorparrt, Metamorphosis et historia naturalis In-
sectorum, i. pp. 168-71, pl. Ixxvi. (Note on Gryllotalpa.)
[10] 1870.—J. Heuuis, ‘‘ A fragment of a life-history of Acantho-
soma grisea,’ in Ent. Monthly Mag. vil. pp. 53-5.
[11] 1872.—J. Hexutxs, ‘‘ Note on the habit of Acanthosoma griseum,”
in op. cit. ix. p. 18.
[12] 1874.—J. Hens, ‘ Additional notes on the egg-laying, &c.,
of Acanthosoma yriseum,’’ 1n op. cit. Xi. pp. 42-8.
[13] 1786.—J. F. W. Hersst, ‘‘ Fortsetzung der Ausziige aus den
Schwedischen Abhandlungen,”’ in Fiiessli’s Neues Mag. fiir die Liebh.
der Entom. iii. pp. 33-91. (An abstract of Modeer’s paper on
pp. 64-7, ‘‘ Modeers Merkwiirdigkeiten bey der Wanze,” &c.)
[14] 1828.—W. Kirsy and W. Spence, An Introduction to Ento-
mology, 5th edit. i. pp. 359, 860, and iil. p. 101. (Summary of the
question and original note on Poryjiculu.)
[Ed. 6, 1848, vol. i. pp. 801-8; ed. 7, 1858, pp. 202-3. I have not
examined the first four editions. |]
[15] 1902.—G. W. Krrxatpy, “‘ On the parental care of the Cimi-
cide,”’ in Entom. xxxv. pp. 319-20. (Translation of Montrouzier and
reference to another probable instance.)
[16] 18386.—R. H. Lewis, ‘‘ Case of maternal attendance on the
larva by an insect of the tribe of Terebrantia belonging to the genus
Perga, observed at Hobarton, Tasmania,’ in Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond.
pp. 282-4.
120 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
[17] 1889.—R. H. Lewis, Proc. Ent. Soc. Lond. i. p. xliv. (Con-
firmation of the above.)
[18] 1764.—A. Monperr, ‘‘ Nagra mirkvirdigheter hos Insectet
Cimex ovatus pallide griseus, abdominis lateribus albo nigroque variis
alis albis basi scutelli nigricante,”’ in Vetensk. Acad. Handl. xxv. pp. 41-
57. (Abstract in German (1767) in same journal, xxvi. pp. 43-9, but
I have not seen either. See No. 13.)
[19] 1855.—Monrrovuzimr,* ‘‘ Essai sur la faune de l’ile de Wood-
lark ou Moiou,” in Ann. Sci. phys. nat. agric. Lyon (2), vii. pp. 91-2.
(Relates maternal affection in Scutellerine. )
[20] 1865.—K. Parrirr in J. W. Dovetas and J. Scorr, The British
Hemiptera, i. pp. 103-4 (Acanthosoma griseum).
[21] 1832.—[J. Rennie], ‘‘ Maternal care of the Karwig,” in Penny
Magazine, p. 60.
[22] 1749.—A. J. Rosset, Der monatlich herausgegeben Insecten
Belustigung, ii. Heuschrecken und Grillen, p. 92, pl. xiv.
[23] 1895.—D. Suarp, Cambridge Nat. Hist. v. p. 214 (Forficula
auricularia and Labidura riparia), and 517 (Perga lewisit).
[24] 1899.—D. Suarp, Cambridge Nat. Hist. vi. p. 546 (‘* Acantho-
soma griseum”’).
The latest notices of Ambrosia beetles are found in—
[25] 1897.—H. G. Hussarp, ‘‘ The Ambrosia beetles of the United
States,’ Bull. U.S. Dep. Agric., new series, No. 7, pp. 9-30.
ON THE PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA AND TENTHREDI-
NIDA’ COLLECTED BY MR. EDWARD WHYMPER
ON THE “GREAT ANDES OF THE EQUATOR.”
By P. Cameron.
(Continued from p. 97.)
LARSEPHNA VARIPES, Sp. NOY.
Black, shining; the legs rufous, the hinder femora darker in tint ;
the hinder coxe black; the hinder tibie pale, the apex and a band
near the base black; the hinder tarsi more or less fuscous; wings
hyaline, the stigma and nervures dark testaceous. ¢. Length nearly
4 mm.; terebra, 1 mm.
Hab. Pichincha, 12,000 ft.
Antenne dark testaceous, blackish on the top; the scape paler in
colour. Head black, closely and minutely punctured; the mandibles
rufo-testaceous. Mesonotum closely, minutely, and distinctly punc-
tured. Scutellum shagreened. Median segment shagreened, most
strongly in the middle. Pro- and mesopleure shagreened, shining ;
the meta- closely, minutely, and uniformly punctured. Abdomen rufo-
** T do not know Montrouzier’s forename. Hagen cites it as ‘‘ P.” (Bibl.
Ent. i. p. 547), but this is merely an abbreviation for ‘“ Pére.’”’ He is in-
dicated in his papers as “ R. P.” and ‘“‘ P. A.,”’ possibly “‘ Revérend Pere” and
“« Pére Abbé.”
PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA AND TENTHREDINID®. 121
testaceous; the petiole and the dorsal basal half of the second and
third segments black; the basal three segments are closely minutely
punctured, the first more strongly than the others. Legs rufous; the
posterior coxe black; the hinder tibie and tarsi pale testaceous, almost
white; there is a black band near the base of the hinder tibize, and a
slightly broader one near the apex; the tarsi are darker-coloured, with
the joints paler at the base.
LARSEPHNA FLAVOLINEATA, Sp. Nov.
Black ; the second and following segments of the abdomen brown-
ish, their apices narrowly banded with pale yellow; legs rufo-fuscous ;
the four anterior cox and trochanters pale clear yellow; the hinder
coxe and the basal joint of the trochanters black, the apex of the coxe
and the apical joint of the trochanters pale yellow; the base and apex
of the hinder tibiew black; wings clear hyaline, the stigma and nervures
fuscous. 2. Length, 4:5 mm.; terebra, 2 mm.
Hab. Corazon, 12,000 ft.
Thorax smooth and shining, the mesonotum shagreened, the apex
of the median segment brownish; the metapleural keel indistinct.
The narrow yellow bands on the apices of the abdominal segments are
distinct on all the segments, and extend on to the ventral surface ;
the petiole is deep black; the segments becoming successively brighter
and more rufous in tint towards the apex. The large stigma is black
at the costa, the rest of it is testaceous ; the nervures are fuscous.
The differences between this species and varipes may be
expressed thus :—
Abdomen for the greater part rufous, not banded with
yellow; the fore coxe and trochanters rufous,
the metapleural keels distinct; ovipositor half the
length of the abdomen 5 ‘ : varipes.
Abdomen black, narrowly banded with yellow, the fore
coxe yellow, the metapleural keels indistinct ;
ovipositor as long as the abdomen 4 . favolineata.
CRYPTINA.
CYANOCRYPTUS, gen. nov.
Transverse median nervure in hind wings broken near the middle.
Transverse median nervure in fore wings not interstitial. Median
segment reticulated throughout, and without a distinct transverse keel.
Disco-cubital nervure not broken by the stump ofa nervure. Antenne
. Stout, ringed with white. Apex of clypeus broadly rounded, depressed ;
it is not separated from the face. Median segment large, with a
gradually rounded slope from the base to the apex; its spiracles
elongated ; the sides at the apex shortly toothed; the pleural carine
of the metathorax complete. Wings uniformly violaceous; the areolet
large, the sides not convergent above. Abdomen smooth ; the spiracles
of the second segment placed shortly before the middle.
The body is metallic ; the parapsidal furrows do not reach to the
middle; the scutellum is roundly convex, not much raised ; the abdo-
minal petiole is longish, slender, dilated at the apex; the first joint of
ENTOM.—mayY, 1903. L
1
122 YHE KNTOMOLOGIST.
the flagellum is longer than the second ; the lower part of the meso-
pleurz is irregularly striated towards the apex.
In Ashmead’s arrangement of the Cryptina (Proc. U. S. Mus.
xxiii. p. 40) this genus would come in near Joppoceras.
CYANOCRYPTUS METALLICUS, sp. NOV.
Dark blue, with purple and brassy tints; the wings uniformly
fuscous-violaceous, the stigma and nervures black ; the antenne black,
ringed with white. ¢. Length, 13 mm.
Hab. Outer slope, Equador, 7—-8000 ft.
Antenne black, fuscous on the lower side; the scape shining, the
flagellum dull in tint. Head dark blue with purple and rosy tints;
the outer orbits shining, sparsely punctured; the front, vertex, and
face more opaque, punctured, but not closely or strongly; the upper
part of the front closely and finely transversely striated. Basal half
of mandibles strongly, but not very closely, punctured ; the two apical
teeth are of almost equal size, and are rounded broadly at the apex.
Mesonotum minutely punctured; its sides towards the apex are de-
pressed; the scutellum is almost impunctate; its basal depression
bears five or six longitudinal keels. The lower part of the propleure
bears some stout longitudinal keels; its base is bordered by a keel.
Mesopleure, except above, irregularly longitudinally striated and reti-
culated. Median segment entirely closely irregularly reticulated ; on
the sides the reticulations are more regular and oblique. The coxe,
trochanters, and femora are purple with rosy tints; the tibie and tarsi
are dull black; the tarsi are minutely spined. Abdomen shining,
impunctate, dark blue, tinged with purple.
WHYMPERIA, gen. nov.
Antenne stout, distinctly dilated beyond the middle; their third,
fourth, and fifth joints equal in length. Head sharply obliquely
narrowed behind the eyes; the inner orbits of the eyes sharply keeled,
the keel extending from below the antenne to the lower ocellus, and
clearly separated from the eyes. Clypeus clearly separated from the
face ; its apex transverse. Mandibles curved, narrowed, towards the
apex, but not sharply; the apex with a depression in the centre; the
teeth not clearly separated. The upper edge of the pronotum roundly
projecting. Parapsidal furrows obsolete. Scutellum large, not much
raised. The basal keel on the median segment is distinct ; the apical
is less distinct in the centre, and projects laterally into a broad tooth ;
the spiracles are large, elongate. The base of the segment has a large
area in the middle, obliquely narrowed towards the apex ; its sides are
not sharply margined. The pleural furrow is distinct; the meta-
sternal keel is complete; stout at the base, narrower at the apex.
Abdominal petiole long and slender, not much thickened at the apex,
curved. The areolet is large, broad; the transverse basal nervure is
interstitial ; the cubito-discal nervure does not have a stump of a
nervure ; the transverse median nervure in the hind wings is broken
in the middle. The metathorax is short, and has an oblique slope
from the first transverse keel.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA. 125
A distinct genus, easily known by the thickened stout antenne,
by the keeled front, by the sharply obliquely narrowed temples,
by the projecting edge of the pronotum, and by the long hinder
legs. In Ashmead’s arrangement it would come in near Habro- .
cryptus.
WHYMPERIA CARINIFRONS, Sp. NOV.
Black, the head and thorax largely marked with white; the second
and following segments of the abdomen rufous, the legs pale yellow,
the four hinder femora rufous; the hinder cox black, their top with
a large white mark; the wings hyaline, the stigma and nervures
black. 9. Length, 11; terebra, 3 mm.
Hab. Ecuador, 1—2000 ft.
Antenne black, the eighth to fourteenth joints more or less white,
the thickened apical joints fuscous. Front and vertex smooth and
shining; the face somewhat coarsely striated; the clypeus with
scattered punctures round the top and apex; its apex depressed and
black. Labrum white, fringed with long golden hair. Mandibles
black, with a small curved white spot on the base. Palpi white.
Thorax black; the dilated part of the pronotum, two lines in the
centre of the mesonotum, narrowed at the base and apex, the scutellum,
post-scutellum, a mark, transverse at the base, rounded at the apex,
two large marks on the apical slope, a mark on the lower side of the
propleure, the tubercles narrowly in the centre, a large mark on the
top of the mesopleure, a larger irregular mark on the lower side of
the mesopleure, with a rounded incision on its upper side, a mark
immediately below the hind wings and the greater part of the upper
half of the metapleure, pale yellow. The middle femora are darker-
coloured than the posterior. Petiole smooth and shining; its apex
and a narrow line behind the middle yellow; its ventral surface is
brownish ; there is a broad, irregular black band near the apex of the
second segment.
(To be continued.)
ON BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED BY MAJOR KE. M.
WOODWARD IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA.
By Eminry Mary SHarPe.
_ Tue following is a list of the species of butterflies obtained
by Major E. M. Woodward on his journey from the coast to
Uganda and Nandi. He obtained two new species, which I de-
scribed under the names Neptis woodwardi (Nymphalide) and
Planema nandensis (Acreide). Cf. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (7),
vol. iii. pp. 243, 244 (1899).
Family Danarpe.
1. Danais cHrysippus (Linn.).—a, b, ¢ 2. Wakolis, Usoga;
October 15, 1897.
L 2
124 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
2. D. aucrppus (Cram.).—a, ?. Samia Hills, Kavirndo;
March 7, 1898.
3. D. xuuat (Butl.).—a, ¢. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April 20,
1898. b, ¢. Tsavo River, Ukambani; August 1, 1897.
4. AMAURIS ENCELADUS (Brown).—a, 3. Mondo, Chagwe;
February 28, 1898.
5. A. HEcATE (Butl.).—a, ¢. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
6. A. pominicanus, T'rim.—a, 3. Muani, Ukambani; August
17,4897.
7. NeBRoDA ECHERIA (Stoll.).—a, b, ¢. Campi Rao, Nandi ;
March 14, 1898. c, ?. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 21, 1898.
Family Satyripa.
8. GNopHODES DivERSA, Butl.—a, 2. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 14, 1898. b, 2. Mbabani, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
9. Mycauesis auricrupa, Butl.—a, ¢. Wakolis, Usoga;
March 4, 1898. b, ?. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
10. M. sarirza, Hewits.—a, ¢. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
13, 1898. b,c, ¢ 2. Wakolis, Usoga; October 16, 1898.
11. M. saaa, Butl._—a, 2.
12. M. rEecunatis, Hewits.—a, 2. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 14, 1898.
13. M. sanpacr, Hewits.—a, ¢. Mondo, Chagwe; February
28, 1898.
14. M. RuHanipostroma, Karsch.—a, g¢. Mondo, Chagwe;
February 28, 1898.
15. M. martius, Fabr.—a, 3. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
b, g. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
16. M. vunearis, Butl._—a, b, ¢. Mondo, Chagwe; February
28, 1898.
17. M. pentata, HL. M. Sharpe.—a, 3. Mondo, Chagwe;
February 28, 1898.
18. M. saussurEe1, Dewitz.—a, 3. Mondo, Chagwe; February
28,1898. b, ¢. Kzwaligoma, Uganda; February 27, 1898.
19. M. perspicua, Z'rim.—a-c, § 2. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 12-14, 1898.
20. Ypruima auBipa, Butl._—a, ¢. Usabara, Uganda; Febru-
ary 26,1898. b-d, 3°.
21. Y. poeta, Kirby.—a, ?. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
22. Y. puPILLARIS, Butl.—a, ?. Campi Mauwi, Ukambani;
August 16,1897. b, ¢. Lubwa’s Hill, Usoga; January 3, 1898.
23. Y. 1ronta, Hewits.—a, 3.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA. 125
94. Neocanyra GReGcori, Butl.—a. Kiu Hills, Ukambani;
April 19, 1898.
25. APHYSONEURIA PIGMENTARIA, Karsch.—a-c, 3 ?. Eldoma
Ravine, Mau; March 20, 1898.
Family AcrmIDm.
26. AcRm#A SERENA (Fabr.).—a-d, 3. Campi Simba, Ukam-
bani; August 15, 1897. e,?. Mbabani, Usoga; March 4,
1898.
27. A. vinipi1a, Hewits.—a, 3. Mondo, Chagwe; February
28,1898. b, 2. Wakolis, Usoga; October 16, 1897.
28. A. caprra, Hopff.—a. Campi Pashto, Nandi; March
15, 1898.
29. A. uv, Grose-Smith.—a, b. Campi Pashto, Nandi;
March 15, 1898.
30. A. apmatHa, Hewits.—a, ¢. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
31. A. puporina, Stgr.—a, ¢. Kiu Hills, Ukambani; April
19, 1898. b, g#. Misongoleni, Ukambani; August 5, 1897.
c, ¢. Derajemi, Ukambani; August 5, 1897.
32. A. BEmsia, Godm.—a, 3. Makindo River, Ukambani;
August 14, 1897.
33. A. cmoria (Fabr.).—a, 2. Muani, Ukambani.
34. A. tyora (Fabr.).—a. Lugumbwas, Chagwe; March 1,
1898. b. Mbabani, Usoga; March 4,1898. c¢. Mtigwa, Usoga ;
March 5, 1898. d. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April 20, 1898.
35. A. navauica, Boisd.—a, 3. Misongoleni, Ukambani;
August 5, 1897. b, ¢. Lugumbwas, Chagwe; March 1, 1898.
c, d. Wakolis, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
36. A. acara, Hewits.—a, 3. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
37. A. EGInA (Cram.).—a, b, d. Wakolis, Usoga; March 4,
1898. c, ¢. Campi Pashto, Nandi; March 15, 1898.
38. A. onzas, H. M. Sharpe.—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
39. PuaneMa JoHNston1, Godm.—a. Eldoma Ravine, Mau;
March 22, 1898.
40. P. nycoa, Godt.—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 18, 1898.
41. P. nanpensis, HZ. M. Sharpe; Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (7)
iii. p. 244 (1899).—a. Nandi; March 16, 1898. b. Campi Rao,
Nandi; March 18, 1898.
42. Parpopsis puncTatissimA (Boisd.).—-a. Kiboko River,
Ukambani; August 14, 1897. b. Campi Mauwi, Ukambani;
August 16, 1897. c. Wakolis, Usoga; October 5, 1897.
126 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Family NympHauip™.
43. HypaNaRTIA scH@NEIA (J'rim.).—a. Campi Darajemi,
Nandi; March 18, 1898. b. Campi Aziwa, Nandi; March 19,
1898. c. EKldoma Ravine, Mau; March 20, 1898.
44, PyramEis aByssinicus, Meld.—a. Campi Aziwa, Nandi;
March 19, 1898.
45. ATELLA PHALANTHA (Drury).—a. Mbabani, Usoga; March
4, 1898. b. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 18, 1898. c. Kibaoni,
Ukambani; March 20, 1898.
46. ARGYNNIS HANNINGTONI, Hlwes.—a-c. Campi Aziwa, Nan-
di; March 19, 1898.
47. PSEUDARGYNNIS HEGEMONE ((Godt.).—a, b. Campi Rao,
Nandi; March 14, 1898.
48. JUNONIA CEBRENE, T'rim.—a, 3. Campi Daraja, Nandi;
March 12, 1898. b, @. Makindo River, Ukambani; March 13,
1898. c, ¢. Kiu Hills, Ukambani; March 19, 1898.
49. J. cuewia (Cram.).—a-d. Campi Pashto, Nandi; March
15, 1898.
50. J. poopis, T'rim.—a, ¢. Muani, Ukambani; August 18,
1897. b, d. Kiu Hills, Ukambani; April 19, 1898. ¢, 2.
Campi Daraja, Nandi; March 12, 1898. .
51. J. WESTERMANNI, Westw.—a-—d. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
18-14, 1898.
52. Precis sesamus, T'rim.—a, b. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
12-14, 1898.
58. P. natauica, Feld.—a. Muani, Ukambani; April 1, 1898.
b. Campi Mauwi, Ukambani; April 22, 1898. c. Kiboko River,
Ukambani ; April 25, 1898.
54. P. mvrracta (Butl.).—a. Mtigwa, Usoga; March 5, 1898.
b-d. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
55. P. rerea(Drury).—a,b. Wakolis, Usoga; October 15, 1897.
56. P. enaiva (Hewits.).—a. Nandi; August 24, 1897.
57. P. penarea (F'abr.).—a, b. Campi Pashto, Nandi; March
15, 1898. c. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
58. P. canescens (Butl.).—a, b. Campi Daraja, Nandi; March
12, 1898. c. Kiu Hills, Ukambani; April 19, 1898.
59. P. arecorm (Butl.).—a-c. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
18, 1898.
60. P. cauestina, Dewitz.—a. Campi Daraja, Nandi; March
12, 1898.
61. P. onrHosia (Klug.).—a-c. Lubwa’s Hill, Usoga; Janu-
ary 2, 1898.
(To be continued.)
127
CURRENT NOTES.—NO. 1.
By G. W. Krrexaupy.
[1] R. F. Scoarrr: ‘‘Some Remarks on the Atlantis Problem” ;
1908, Proc. Roy. Irish Acad., xxiv., Sect. B., pt. 3, pp.
268-302.
(2) G. Breppin: Fauna Arctica, 1902, i1., pp. 529-60 [Rhyn-
chota].
(3) G. W. Kirxanpy: Fauna Hawaiiensis, 1908, 11i1., Hemiptera,
pp. 99-174, pls. 4 and 5.
[4] E. D. Batu: 1901, Ohio Nat., i., pp. 122-4, pl. x. [Rhyn-
chota].
[5] J. GutpE: ‘Die Dorsaldrtisen der Larven der Hemiptera-
Heteroptera’’; 1902, Ber. Senckenb. Naturf. Ges. Frank-
furt, pp. 85-134, pls. 7 and 8.
[6] W. E. Hrnps: 1902, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., xxvi., pp. 79-
242, pls. i.—xi. [Thysanoptera ].
[7] U. Nawa: ‘‘ Notes on a Parasitic Moth”; 1908, The Insect
World, vol. vii., no. 1, 2 pp., coloured plate.
(8] EK. P. Fexr: 1902, Bull. N. York State Mus., no. 59 (Entom.,
no. 16), pp. 49-84, 1 coloured and 5 photo plates.
[9] O. ScumimDEKNEcHT; 1902, Opuscula Ichneumonologica,
fasc. 1, pp. 1-80.
[10] H. ScHoutepen: 1902, Ann. Soc. Ent. Belg., xlvi., pp.
136-42 [Rhynchota] .
[11] A. W. Morritt: 1903, Canad. Ent., xxxv., pp. 25-35,
pl. 2 [Rhynchota].
[12] W. H. Harrineton: 1908, Canad. Ent., xxxv., p. 87
[Hymenoptera] .
[13] A. F. Conrapr: 1902, N. Hampshire Agric. Exp. Sta., Bull.
94, pp. 89-92 [Coleoptera].
[14] C. M. Weep: 1902, op. cit., Techn. Bull., 5, pp. 139-79.
CuarRENCE WEED has published a bibliography of the economic
relations of North American Birds [14], the list of works being
much increased in usefulness by a brief summary of contents
after most of the entries.
W. E. Hinps has monographed the North American Thysano-
ptera [6]. Up to the middle of 1902, only twenty-six species had
been described, of which sixteen are considered valid or properly
‘known; these are now increased to thirty-four, embraced by
twenty-two genera. The descriptions are detailed, and are pre-
ceded by analytical tables and extended remarks on the general
structure of the order, development, economic importance, &c.,
and are concluded by a bibliography. A curious misprint,
‘“‘phyllogeny,”’ occurs more than once, and a serious deficiency
in the omission of generic references (now unfortunately too often
the case in monographic or revisional work), nor is there any
indication in the index as to new genera and species.
128 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
H. ScuourepEN enumerates the root-inhabiting aphids of
Belgium and their relations with ants [10].
HK. D. Batu describes the food-habits of some American
Aphrophora larve [4}. The larve of A. 4-notata are found on
various plants and shrubs; those of A. parallela are recorded as
forming frothy masses (like the allied Cercopis [= Philenus] in
this and other countries) on the tips of pine twigs. The American
author notes that the larve of A. permutata, a rocky mountain
species, were found, not on the twigs of pines, but down among
the roots, ten or fifteen in a clump, and supposes that the
‘original pine-inhabiting species, finding themselves unable to
maintain their froth-masses in their exposed positions on pine-
branches in such a dry atmosphere, were compelled to seek
moister conditions, such as are afforded by the shade and con-
tact with the earth under these bushy plants.”
G. W. Kirxaupy has published [8] the part of his Rhynchotal
contribution to the ‘ Fauna Hawaiiensis’ dealing with Coccide,
Cixiaria, and Heteroptera; the Tetigoniide, Asiracine, and a
small portion of the Heteroptera being reserved for further study.
On p. 150 it is stated that the genus Allwocranum is represented
for the first time. In 1899, however, it was figured in the Biologia
Centr. Amer., Rhynch. Heter., ii., pl. 12, f. 6; Kirkaldy’s
doubtful admission of Cuba as a locality for A. biannulipes
may now be confirmed, as Champion has taken it (p. 197)
in Panama, Bugaba, and records it from Dorei Island, New
Guinea, and Dr. Puton informs the present writer that it has
been taken in France.
G. Breppin enumerates the Rhynchota and Siphunculata of
the Arctic Region [2], including in this term the lands north of
the limits of the birch, fir, and larch trees. Among species of
wide distribution, and occurring also in Britain, may be men-
tioned Nysius thymi, Gerris odontogaster, Reduviolus lhesigus
(= Nabis flavomarginatus), Acanthia littoralis and saltatoria, Tera-
tocoris viridis, Agalliastes wilkinsoni, &c. Lists are also given of
the Rhynchota of Iceland and the Fardes. In the former,
Breddin has overlooked the records by the writer of Corixa
carinata from Hagvelta, near Stérvaldir, and of Acanthia littoralis
from Storvaldir (1899, Revue d’Entom., p. 95).
K. P. Frur considers [8] the grapevine rootworm (Fidia
viticida, Walsh, a coleopteron of the Chrysomelid) to be a much
more serious enemy of the vineyardist than the grapevine leaf-
hopper (Hrythroneura vitis, Harris), for whilst the operations
of the latter are confined to the leaves, and the amount of damage
easily controlled, Fidia inflicts its most serious injuries under-
ground, and in a great many instances a vine is nearly ruined
before the trouble is noticed. ‘‘The secrecy of this insect’s work,
and the fact that the grubs operate on the large roots, where a
small amount of girdling is fatal, constitute the most dangerous
CURRENT NOTES. 129
features of this pest.’ Vines on rich clay-soils sustain com-
paratively little damage, but on light sandy or poor soil the
depredations are much worse. Fidia viticida is a native American,
and has long been known as a feeder on wild grapevines, &c.,
and it is only within the last few years that it has become
notable as a pest of the cultivated vine. The beetle was first
noticed in Kentucky in 1866, and was at the same time or soon
after taken in Illinois and Missouri, and is now known from New
York State to Florida, and from Texas to Dakota. The life-
history and habits are closely worked out, and remedial measures
discussed.
O. ScHMIEDEKNECHT [9] has issued the first fascicule of his
new ‘‘Opuscula Ichneumonologica,” containing analytical tables
of the genera of six ichneumonid tribes and of the palearctic
species of the genus Ichneumon.
Harrineton [12] notes the capture of a male wasp (T'hyreopus
latipes, Smith) with female antenne.
A. W. Morritt [11] describes and figures a new species of
Aleyrodes from strawberry, with details of life-history.
A. F. Conrapi [13] discusses ‘‘ Remedies for Fleas’’; creolin
being recommended.
J. GuupeE [5] contributes an important paper on the dorsal
glands in Heteropterous larve.
R. F. Scuarrr discusses [1] the Atlantis Problem, and con-
cludes that Madeira and the Acores, up to miocene times, were
connected with Portugal; that from Marocco to the Canary
Islands, and from them to South America, stretched a vast land,
which extended southward certainly as far as St. Helena. This
great continent may have existed already in secondary times,
and probably began to subside in early tertiary times. Its
northern portions persisted until the miocene, when the southern
and northern Atlantic became joined, and the Acores and Madeira
became isolated from Europe. They again united with the Old
World in more recent times, and were still connected in the early
pleistocene with the continents of Europe and Africa, at a time
when man had already made his appearance in Western Europe,
and was able to reach the islands by land. These conclusions
are reached by a study of all the animal classes, by no means
least from the insects, which, in accordance with other groups,
exhibit mostly South European or North African affinities.
Among the forms omitted is the beautiful Notonecta glauca var.
canariensis, peculiar, so far as is known, to the Canary Isles.
It has long been known that remarkable lepidopterous larvee
of the genus H’/pipyrops, Westwood (fam. Limacodide), live, either
parasitically or commensally, on the living bodies of certain Ful-
goride (Homoptera). Their nutriment is unknown, and the host
is not destroyed by the visitor. The first notice was published
in the Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1876, pp. 519-24, pl. vil., on a
130 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
species from Hongkong which spins its cocoon in the waxy
appendages of Pyrops candelaria. The following year (1877,
pp. 483-7, pl. x., fig. c) appeared a further notice of what
was considered to be the same genus on a species of Aphena,
and also on Hurybrachys spinosa (belonging to a different sub-
family), both from India. Westwood supposed that the lepi-
dopteron is actually parasitic, feeding on the waxy matter,
but quotes Wood-Mason as considering that the former only
uses the homopteron as a means of conveyance. Recently
the ‘Insect World,’ a magazine usually appearing only in
Japanese, has published two pages in English (accompanied
by a coloured plate), entitled ‘‘ Notes on a Parasitic Moth,”
by Miss U. Nawa [7]. In August, 1898, Mr. Y. Nawa dis-
covered, ‘‘on Mt. Yoro, some curious larve covered with white
substance, and living on the outside of the abdomen of Pomponia
japonensis”’ (a Cicadid). After a few days they spun cocoons,
from which moths issued identical with one captured six years
previously by Miss Nawa on Mt. Kinkwa, near Gifu. The larve
were, later on, found on Pomponia maculaticollis and Grapto-
psaltria calorata (reete colorata). Similar larve were also found
on the Fulgorid Ricania japonica. The moth in all its stages is
described, but not identified. When full grown the body is
covered with fine white hairs, which appear like a mass of cotton-
wool. When full grown they leave their host, and move away
to the trunks of trees or the leaves of plants, to spin their cocoons.
A LIST OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF ROXBURGHSHIRE.
By W. Renron.
I rinp that, as regards the Macro-Lepidoptera, Roxburgh-
shire is one of the best counties in Scotland. Altogether I have
taken three hundred and thirty-five species, of which twenty-
seven are butterflies.
Pieris brassice.—Generally very common from April to September ;
too common, in fact, for the kitchen-garden. The larve are also
common on swede turnips.
P. rape.—Also a common species throughout the county.
P. napi.—Numerous, like the preceding species.
Euchloé cardamines.—Common, June, 1901; only a few occurred in
June, 1902. I did not take this species until the former date.
Colias edusa.—Fairly common in June and July, 1900, throughout
the county.
Argynnis selene.—A very local species on Jed Water, near Jedburgh ;
also on Malcolm’s Moss, near Minto, June and September.
A. euphrosyne. — Rare on Malcolm’s Moss and Borthwickbrae
Moss, June.
+
LEPIDOPTERA OF ROXBURGHSHIRE. 131
A. aglaia.—Common on Rubers-law, Minto Rocks, Tweed banks,
near Kelso, June and July.
A, paphia.—Some seasons common on Minto Rocks. This is the
only locality where I have taken this species..
Melitea artemis.——Local in Duke’s Woods and Muirfield Woods,
both places near Hawick, end of June.
Vanessa urtice.—Generally common throughout the county.
V. io.—This species is now becoming extremely rare ; only a few
species taken annually near Jedburgh.
V. antiopa.—I took one example of this rare species near Caver’s
House, Aug. 27th, 1900. I also had the pleasure of seeing another
near Greenlaw, Berwickshire, September, 1896.
V. atalanta.—Very uncertain in its appearance; some seasons it is
very common, while in others not a specimen is to be seen. Larve
found on the stinging-netile.
V. cardui.—Much like the preceding species in general. Larve
found on various thistles and on burdock.
Erebia blandina.—Local in the south-west of Roxburghshire, Muir-
field Woods, Kirton Moor, Borthwickbrae. This is a variable species.
The larva is full grown in July, and found on all grasses where the
insect occurs.
Pararge egeria.—One specimen near Ormeston Mains, Teviot, May
5th, 1901.
Satyrus semele.—The only locality known to me for this species is
near Hawick Station, where it is fairly common.
Epinephele tanira.—Common all over the county, June to August.
Aphantopus (E.) hyperanthus.—A rather local species throughout
the county. Var. arete occurs commonly. Some of the specimens are
absolutely devoid of ocelli. Larve on grasses in June; imago in July,
Cenonympha davus.—Found only in one locality on Reidfordgreen
Moss, in June.
C. pamphilus.—One of the commonest of insects throughout the
county.
Chrysophanus (Polyommatus) phleas. —A rather rare and local
species in general, occurring from June to October. I have bred this
species, feeding the larve on sorrel.
Lycena astrarche (agestis) var. artawerves—Common near Hawick,
Jedburgh, and Ancrum, found on grass banks in June and July.
L. minima (alsus).—Local, but common where it occurs in May and
June.
L. icarus (alewis).—Another common species from June to Septem-
ber (second brood). Some fine varieties of this species are obtained in
this county.
Adopea (Hesperia) sylvanus.—I had a specimen brought to me by a
boy last July; he took it when going to school, near Hawick. This
was the first specimen recorded from this county to my knowledge.
Acherontia atropos.—A few annually in August throughout the
county. Larve are found on potato, and in some seasons are fairly
common.
Sphina convolvuli.—Ocecurs more rarely than the preceding species.
Specimens have been taken at Jedburgh, Hawick, and the larva found
at Ednam, August, 1900.
132 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
S. ligustri, Cherocampa porcellus, and Smerinthus ocellatus.—Only a
single example of each of these species has been taken in the county
to my knowledge.
Smerinthus populii—A rather common species in general. Larve
are common on willows and sallows in August.
Macroglossa stellatarum.—In some seasons fairly common ; abun-
dant in 1900 and 1901. Larvee in June and September, on bedstraw.
Trochilium crabroniformis (bembeciformis).—I have never taken the
imago of this species, but larve are of frequent occurrence on Rubers-
law, Jedwater, and Malcolm’s Moss in May, in sallows.
Sesia tipuliformis.—I took one specimen in my garden on July 3rd,
1900.
Ino (Proeris) statices.—Local in Duke’s Woods end of June and July.
Sarothripus undulanus.—When collecting at sallows, near Kirton
School, in April, 1901, a hybernated specimen was obtained.
Hylophila prasinana.—Rare near Kelso and Minto Woods, July and
August.
Nudaria mundana.—Common everywhere in the county; larve on
stone walls and also on lichen in hedgerows, April and May.
Gnophria rubricollis—Larve were obtained last season (September)
in Denholm Dene, on old elm trees.
Euchelia jacobee.—One or two taken annually in the eastern
portion of the county. I have never found the larva except on the coast.
Diacrisia (Nemeophila) russula.—This insect is now getting very
rare on all the moors ; burning the heather has something to do with
this.
Parasemia (N.) plantayinis. — Occurs locally up and down the
county; the variety hospita is also found. lLarve are full grown in
May, and are found on plantain.
Arctia caia.—At one time common, but getting extremely rare
during the last few years.
Spilosoma fuliginosa.—More or less common everywhere in May and
June. I have never taken the second brood. Larva in April; a
general feeder.
S. mendica.—Has only been taken near St. Boswell’s Station, in
June. I believe that this species was first noted in the county by Mr.
H. Dodds, of Galashiels, who captured a specimen in 1900.
S. menthastri.—Common everywhere from May to August. The.
larvee are common in August and September on various plants.
Hepialus humuli, H. sylvanus, H. velleda, H. lupulinus, H. hectus ;
all more or less common throughout the county; also var. carnus of
H. velleda.
Dasychira fascelina. — Common on Rubers-law, Kirton Moor,
Shieldswood, and Muirfield, in June and July. Larve April to June,
on heath.
Orgyia antiqua.—Very local in Wells Woods and Springwood Park
Wood in August. I have found the larve on hazel.
Trichiura crategi. — Another very local species. It occurs on
Shieldswood Moors and Muirfield, in September. Larve found in May.
Pacilocampa populi.—Odd specimens taken annually near Hawick.
Beat the larva from thorn in June.
Macrothylacia (Bombyx) rubi.—Fairly abundant in many localities
LEPIDOPTERA OF ROXBURGHSHIRE. 133
in June, but difficult to capture. Larve common from July to March,
on moors and pastures.
Lasiocampa (B.) quercus var. callune.—Rather local on Rubers-law
and other good moors in July. Larve are full-fed in July, on heath.
Saturnia pavonia.—Much more widely distributed than the pre-
ceding species, on moors and bogs, April and May. Larve found on
heath, sallows, &c., in August.
Drepana falcataria.—From one locality only in Springwood Park
Woods, June.
Cilix glaucata.—Common in the district of Hawick only, in June.
Bred the imago from larve collected in August, on whitethorn.
Dicranura furcula.—More or less common in the larval stage in
August, but the imago is very rarely found.
D. vinula.—This species appears to be generally scarcer than the
preceding.
Pterostoma palpina.—Collected the larve from sallows, in August,
on Edderstone-lea Moss.
Lophopterya camelina.—Found at rest on oak, birch, sallow, &c., in
June. This species is well distributed throughout the county.
Pheosia (Notodonta) dictea.—Very rare and local near Hawick and
Jedburgh. The imago occurs in July, and the larva is found on poplar
in August and September.
P. (N.) dicteoides. — Found the larva in August, on birch, in
Adderstone-lea Moss and Cavers Woods.
Notodonta dromedarius. — Rather a common species in general
throughout the county. The larva on birch and alder in August and
September.
N. ziczac.—Another species that is common in the larval stage on
sallows in August.
N. chaonia.— Found a female specimen on an oak-trunk on May
27th, 1900, near Hawick. The only specimen that I have taken of this
species.
Phalera bucephala.—Local ; on lime trees in larval stage, in August
and September.
Pygera pigra.—From one locality only in Newfield Moss, near
Hawick, June.
Thyatira batis—Occurs in June. It is a common and widely dis-
tributed species, and is generally the first moth that comes to sugar in
the evening.
Cymatcphora duplaris.—Taken only in one locality, Hagburn Glen,
in June. The larva on birch in August.
; Asphalia flavicornis.—Also a rare species and local, occurring near
the gamekeeper’s house, Wells, in April.
Bryophila perla.—Local on stone walls, June, near Hawick, Kelso,
and Ancrum.
Demas coryli.—Occurs in June; I have specimens from the eastern
portion of the county only. The larva is found on hazel in August.
Acronycta tridens.—Bred two specimens from three larve taken
near Kelso in August.
A. psi.—More or less common throughout the county in June and
July.
134 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
A, ligustrt.—Of more rare occurrence, some seasons fairly common
at sugar in June. lLarve on ash in August.
A. rumicis.—Generally common.
A. menyanthidis.—A local species, occurring on Muirfield and
Snnlaw Moss in June. Larvae on heath in August.
Diloba ceruleocephala.—Have not seen this species since 1899, when
it was common.
Leucania conigera, L. lithargyria, L. comma, L. impura, L. pallens
(with the red form).—Generally common. .
Tapinostola fulva. —Common on all the moors and bogs in August.
Calamia lutosa.—The only locality known to me is Semiston Moss,
near Kelso.
Hydrecia nictitans.—Common on thistles in August and September,
the var. erythrostigma well represented.
H. micacea.—A few specimens annually, on ragwort, in August.
Rare in general.
Xylophasia rurea.—Common ; also the variety alopecurus.
X. lithoxylea.—Less common than the preceding species.
X. monoglypha.—Common every year. Varies in colour from light
grey to black.
X. hepatica.—Appears to be a local species in this county.
Neuronia popularis.—One specimen at Deanbrae in August, 1899.
Chareas graminis.—Common everywhere in August.
Cerigo matura.—A few specimens annually in July.
Luperina testacea.—Local ; in the Hawick district only.
Mamestra furva-—Generally common throughout the county, July
and August. .
M. brassice.—Of more rare occurrence in gardens.
Apamea basilinea.—Common everywhere.
A. gemina.—More local than the preceding, but common where it
occurs.
A. didyma.—Common and variable.
Miana strigilis, M, fasciuncula, M. literosa, and Petilampa (M.)
arcuosa, are all more or less common.
Celana haworthii.—Found on all the mosses where the cotton-grass
grows.
Stilbia anomala.—From one locality only, Ettrick-head, July and
August.
Caradrina morpheus.—I only took this species last July, when col-
lecting at white campion, near Hawick.
C. taraxaci.—A few specimens of this widely distributed species
are taken each year in July.
C. cubicularis—Common in barns and outhouses, &c., from April
to September.
Rusina tenebrosa.—Common everywhere.
Agrotis suffusa.—Common near Kelso in August.
A. saucia.—One example at sugar in Duke’s Woods, near Hawick,
September, 1899.
A. segetum.—Common in 1897, but has not been seen since, at least
by me.
A, exclamationis—Common annually everywhere.
A. nigricans.—A few specimens only in 1899, on ragwort.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 135
A. tritict.—One specimen only, near Kelso.
A. agathina.—Common in larval stage on all the good moors.
Very difficult to rear.
A, porphyrea.—Common on all moors.
Noctua glareosa.—Of frequent occurrence on the borders of moors
in August.
(To be continued.)
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
Tue Nationa Coxztection or British Lepipoprera. — The re-
arrangement of the British Lepidoptera in the Natural History
Museum at South Kensington is progressing; that of the families
Arctiade and Noctuide being now complete so far at least as the
material at present available in the Museum permits. A list of
desiderata is subjoined in the hope that our readers may be disposed
to assist in perfecting the collection, and making it really illustrative
of the lepidopterous fauna of Great Britain.
SpeciaLLy Wantep. — Lithosia sericea, Gregs., Nudaria senex, N.
mundana, Noctua depuncta, N. sobrina, Dianthecia luteago vars. bar-
rettii and fickleni, D. cesia, Pachetra leucophea, Leucania favicolor,
Barr., L. albipuncta, L. loreyi, L. putrescens, L. vitellina, Cucullia
gnaphalii, C. scrophularia, Esp., Polia xanthomista, Xanthia ocellaris,
Cerastis erythrocephala, Hadena porphyrea (satura), Caradrina ambiqua,
Hydrilla palustris, Petilampa (Miana) arcuosa, Tapinostola elymi, Synia
musculosa, Luperina dumerilu, Laphygma exigua, Cenobia rufa, Nonagria
geminipuncta, N. canna, N. sparganii, Plusia ni, Catephia alchymista,
Micra ostrina, paula, and parva.
Locat Forms anp ABEerrations.—Lithosia depressa, Emydia cribrum,
Spilosoma lubricipeda, S. menthastri, S. mendica, Parasemia plantaginis,
Arctia caia, Agrotis segetum, A. vestigialis, A. corticea, A. cinerea, A. cur-
soria, A. nigricans, A. tritici, A. exclamationis, Pachnobia hyperborea,
Noctua festiva, N. glareosa, N.castanea, N. baja, N. brunnea, N. dahlii, N.
xanthographa, Agrotis agathina, Dianthecia nana, Hadena dentina, H.
glauca, H. thalassina, Panolis piniperda (green form), T@niocampa
gothica, T. munda, T. stabilis, T. gracilis, T. opima, T. incerta, Chareas
graminis, Leucania lithargyria, Heliophobus hispidus, Dryobota protea,
Polia chi, Cleoceris viminalis, Aporophyla lutulenta, A. australis, Xanthia
_aurago, Orthosia rufina, O. suspecta, Anchocelis lunosa, A. pistacina,
Cerastis vaccinit, C. ligula, Xylophasia rurea, Hadena adusta, Mamestra
abjecta, Apamea nictitans, Celenea haworthii, Miana bicoloria, M. strigilis,
Bryophila muralis and perla, Sarrothripa revayana.
Ova, larve, and pup of almost any species would also be very
useful.
Pupa or VANESSA POLYCHLOROS ATTACKED BY ParastrEs.—I was very
interested in reading Mr. Mathew’s note on Vanessa polychloros (ante,
p. 99), as I was myself thinking of writing about my experiences with
this insect, which differ considerably from his. I used to think that
after a lepidopterous insect had passed its larval state without getting
136 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
stung it was immune from any further attacks of parasitic flies, but
this, at any rate, does not seem to be the case with V. polychloros. In
June, 1901, while cycling in this neighbourhood, I came across a
large nest of the larve of this insect on sallow growing by the roadside.
Although fairly growu—in fact, getting ready for the final moult—
I managed to take sixty-two home in some chip-boxes I had with me.
Sixty of these pupated, the other two dying from some unknown
cause. The same month I found a fine large pupa of this species on
an out-building near some elm trees; on proceeding to take it, I
noticed two or three little flies crawling over it, which made me think
they were emerging from it, but the pupa proved to be alive by
violently kicking on my touching it. I also took three larve that
were crawling about on the same building seeking suitable places to
suspend themselves; these soon after pupated. From these sixty-four
pupe sixty-three imagines were bred, one only proving to be stung,
being the one I took in the pupal state; from this a swarm of little
flies emerged. Last year, V. polychloros being again common, my
father and I took a few more larve that were about to change; these
all reached the perfect state. Many of the others that were left hung
themselves up under the eaves of some out-houses ; these I watched.
One in particular suspended itself low down where I could easily
observe it. One morning I found that it had cast its larval skin either
in the night, or earlier that day, and on my looking at it again that
same morning I noticed one of the little flies, similar to those that had
emerged from the pupa I took the previous year, crawling about for a
considerable time all over it, and, as I suppose, laying its eggs, for on
magnifying it, I saw that its ovipositor was protruding: and touching
the surface of the pupa. This was the first of the ‘‘ wild’”’ ones I was
watching to pupate, and, like the majority of them, proved to be stung.
I may add that all the pupe obtained were kept indoors. JV. polychloros
has appeared again this year, one being seen on April 3rd.—J. F. Birp;
“The Lodge,” Cowfold, Sussex, April 6th, 1903.
Larv® at Suear.—On August 29th last, when visiting some
sugared posts on our sandhills, I found a full-grown larva of Agrotis
rip@ busily engaged sucking the bait. I watched it for some time,
and there was no doubt that it was thoroughly enjoying itself. In the
woods a few miles from here I have frequently seen larvee of Lithosia
griseola on sugared trees in early summer, and on one particular tree
a larva came for several nights during a period of ten days. This was
probably the same individual. On the coast sandhoppers are some-
times quite a nuisance, the patches of sugar being completely smothered
with them.—Gervase F’. Marnew; Dovercourt, Essex, April 16th, 1908.
Nore on Pours serena.—Last autumn I obtained about a hundred
larvee of this pretty moth from the flowers of Crepis virens. They were
placed in a large tin breeding-cage, half full of earth, in which were
plunged two bottles to hold fresh food, and in due course they became
full-grown, and buried, and the box was deposited upon a shelf in my
breeding shed. One night last month a cat managed to get into the
shed, and knocked the box off the shelf, and it fell to the ground on
its side, and its contents were well shaken up. In trying to replace
things as well as I could in their original position, I came across
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 137
several cocoons. One of these I opened to look at the pupa, but
discovered nothing but the shell of the pupa full of a mass of pinkish-
grey powder. I opened another cocoon, and with the same result;
so I then looked at the remainder, and to my disgust found that they
were all in the same condition—there was not a living pupa among
them. One or two of the cocoons contained shrivelled up larve, but
all the others were in the same state as the first one. Has anyone
had a similar experience with this species ?—Grrvasre F, Maruew;
Dovercourt, Essex, April 16th, 1903.
Tue ArtitupEe or Hysernatine VESPA OCCIDENTALIS: A COMPARATIVE
Srupy.—The article by F. W. Frohawk on the “ Attitude of Hyber-
nating Wasps’ in the February ‘Kntomologist’ interested me to
investigate the circumstances attending the hybernation of our Cali-
fornia species of wasp, Vespa occidentalis. The following is offered as
a study for comparison. On March 6th I made observations on the
bark of the blue-gum, a species of Hucalyptus, and found in the loose
bark of this tree about a dozen specimens of hybernating wasps in a
good state of preservation. The wasp rested with feet on the inside
of bark, generally on thickest portions of loose bark, and almost
invariably on the north side of the tree. The wings were not flat
against the bark, except at end of abdomen where they protruded, and
held between posterior legs and abdomen. The legs were under the
wings, with the feet flat against the bark. The middle legs did not
touch the bark, for the body was so humped as to rest on the front
and hind legs. The head was lowered, with the antennz curved about
the neck between head and forelegs. They were perfectly dry and
pliable, without any trace of a secretory fluid to hold them in place.
The body was covered with beads of moisture, the largest beads being
on the ventral side of the abdomen. The jaws were not fastened.
They were wide apart, the mandibles slightly piercing the wood, but
very readily relaxed their hold when the bark was inverted. This
species under normal circumstances hybernates under ground, but
owing to the rainy season (we have nearly all the rain of the year
during the winter in California) the insect must seek a dry shelter,
and the loose bark of the Fucalyptus offers an ideal refuge. The
reason that the insect, in seeking a place for hybernation, selects the
north side of the tree is, I presume, to protect itself from being
irritated by the sun’s rays. The winters here are exceedingly mild ;
the average annual minimum temperature is 32°1°, and the lowest
temperature ever recorded is 24:9°.—M. Merzmain; Dept. of Entomo-
logy, University of California, Berkeley, California, March 7th.
Urticatinc Larvat Hatrs.—Referring to Mr. Carter’s note (ante,
p. 68) on the irritating properties contained in the hairy coats of
‘‘ Bombyces,”’ I can speak feelingly, as I was terribly punished when
dealing with the larve and the cocoons of P. chrysorrhwa. I received
a large nest of larve from my old friend Mr. Hargreaves, taken at
Hove (near Brighton), and knowing by previous experience the effect
of P. auriflua and B. quercus, I was most careful not to handle them ;
but if I only opened the cage to put in fresh food, I found the effect
on my wrists, between my fingers, &c., and when the moths were
ENTOM.—mMay, 1903. M
138 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
emerging I was very badly punished several times, my eyes and neck
suffering most; in fact, I got so annoyed that I turned the lot out
into the garden, opened the cage-door, and let them all go. It was
my first, and I think it will be my last, attempt at rearing that
species. —W. E. Burter; Hayling House, Oxford Road, Reading,
March 15th, 1908.
Erastria Fuscuta.—The food-plant of the larve of Hrastria fuscula
is without the slightest doubt Molinia cerulea in Devonshire. I first
became acquainted with the fact in September, 1873, and my note on
the subject will be found in the ‘Entomologist,’ vol. vil. p. 185
(August, 1874). In that note it will be seen that I searched the
bramble, afterwards ferns and heath, and not finding it, turned my
attention to sweeping the undergrowth, and in the first hour obtained
about a dozen. The question then became, what was the food-plant?
and on careful search over the herbage swept, found it on a coarse
grass, which proved to be Molinia carulea. After that I collected them
without any trouble feeding about halfway up the blade of grass,
taking them in September several years following.—G. C. BieNet1,
F.E.S.; Saltash, Cornwall, April 4th, 1903.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
ABNORMAL APPEARANCE OF Noctuz.—Whilst sugaring at Boscombe
with Major Robertson on March 21st, we took a fine specimen of
Hadena chenopodii, evidently freshly emerged. The next night,
March 22nd, Major Robertson’s son took Agrotis segetum at sugar in
good condition, apparently not hybernated. Phlogophora meticulosa
was also common at sugar, and that they are this year’s emergences
is confirmed by Prof. Meldola taking a specimen drying its wings on
March 26th.—J. A. Finzi; 58, Hamilton Terrace, N.W.
Nore on Pup or Nonacria typH#.—When hunting for pupe of
this species, I find the old previous year’s dead stems by far the best
place for them, and have taken as many as seven or eight pupe from
one stem.—GervaseE F’, Matuew; Dovercourt, Essex, April 16th, 1903.
Spring Lepipoprera at Watiineton.—In our neighbourhood here
the season has started very well, insects being both plentiful and
varied. Of course the sallows have been the most productive, and all
those within easy distance were visited, the following being the insects
obtained :—Panolis piniperda, Pachnobia rubricosa, Teniocampa gothica,
T. incerta, T. munda, T. gracilis, T. pulverulenta, T. stabilis, Orrhodia
vaccinit, Scopelosoma satellitia, Hoporina croceago, Selenia bilunaria, and
Larentia muitistrigaria. The gas-lamps have proved very attractive,
and yielded Veniocampa incerta, T. gothica, Xylocampa lithorhiza,
Selenia lunaria, S. bilunaria, Phigalia pedaria, Biston strataria, Hybernia
marginaria, EH. leucophearia, and Anisopteryx escularia. Among larve,
Triphena ianthina has been swarming everywhere, and a good many
Apamea ophiogramma have been taken from the ribbon-grass. Many
others of all sorts have been captured, but I have not had time to get
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 139
them named yet. Sugaring has only so far produced Scopelosoma
satellitia; whilst of butterflies the only three noticed have been
Gonepteryx rhamni, Pieris rape, and P. napi.— Lest H. Mossez-
Rosinson ; Wandle Bank, Wallington, Surrey, April 15th, 1903.
Norrs on CoLEoPTERA COLLECTED 1n 1902.—The greater part are
from the New Forest between June 7th and 22nd, the remainder
being nearly all from Surrey and Kent, in the vicinity of Croydon and
Westerham. Two days, Easter Sunday and Monday, were spent at
Westerham and Hever, but few species were taken, as I did not devote
much time to beetles then. Whit Monday (May 19th) was spent in
Surrey, near Farley and Chelsham, but the weather was very cold and
wet. Aug. 4th was spent in nearly the same neighbourhood, when
rather finer but dull weather was experienced.
The following is a list of captures, all being from the New Forest,
except where otherwise stated :—
Cicendela campestris, Carabus glabratus, C. catenulatus, Calosoma inqut-
sitor, Notiophilus biguttatus, Leistus spinibarbus, Nebria brevicollis (every-
where), Bembidium gilvipes, B. lampros, B. brunnipes, B. tibiale, Ptero-
stichus versicolor, P. lepidus, P. niger, P. nigrita, P. madidus (every-
where), Pristonychus subcyaneus, Calathus melanocephalus (Cudham),
Anchomenus albipes, A. oblongis, Demetrias atricapillus (Chelsham),
Dromius linearis, D. aglis, Harpalus ruficornts (everywhere), H. ignavus,
Pelobius hermanni, Hydroporus gyllenhallt, H. erythrocephalus, H. planus
(New Forest and Wimbledon), H. melanocephalus, H. nigrita, Ilybius
fuliginosus, Agabus bipustulatus, A. chalconotatus, Philhydrus marginellus,
Helochares lividus, Hydrochus elongatus, Spheridium scarabaoides, S. bi-
pustulatum. Cercyon melanocephalus, C. analis, Necrophorus mortuorum,
Silpha atrata, Leptusa fumida, Microglossa nidicola (Downe), Aleochara
brevipennis, A. lanuginosa (New Forest; Wimbledon), 4. nitida, Myr-
medonia canaliculata, Oxypoda lividipennis, Homalota gregaria, Tachinus
rufipes, Tachyporus solotus, T. chrysomelinus, Conurus littoreus, Bolitobius
atricapillus, Quedius impressus (Chelsham), @. tristis, Ocypus olens
(Hever), Philonthus varius, P. agilis, Baptolinus alterrans, Paderus
littoralis, Stenus speculator, S. similis (Warley and New Forest), S.
tarsalis, Oxytelus rugosus, O. laqueatus, Olibrius consimilis (near Wester-
ham), Coccinella 11-punctata (Chelsham), C. 7-punctata (Chelsham), C.
occellata, C. 18-guttata (Kent), C. 14-quttata (Kent), Hister unicolor, H.
carbonarius, Brachypterus urtica, Meligethes rufipes, M. viridescens (Kent
and Surrey), Hpurea estiva, Omosita discoidea (near Brasted), Crypto-
phagus scanicus, C. patruelis, Scaphisoma agaricinum, Scaphidium quadri-
-maculatum, Byrrhus pilula, Parnis prolifericornis, Lucanus cervus, Ontho-
phagus nuchicornis, Aphodius fossor, A. fetans, A. fimetrarius, A. grana-
rius, A. putridus, A. sticticus, A. tristis, A. quadrimaculatum, A. depressus,
Geotrupes typheus, G. stercorarius, G. spiniger, Phyllopertha horticola,
Cetonia aurata, Elater sanguinolentus, Melanotus rufipes, Athous hemor-
rhoidalis (everywhere), A. vittatis, Corymbites quercus, C. holeosericeus,
Agriotes sobrinus, A. pallidulus (everywhere), Serricosomus brunneus,
Dolopius marginatus (everywhere), Camplyus linearis, Helodes minutus,
Cyphon coarctatus, Telephorus alpinus, T. rusticus, T’. pellucidus, T’. nigri-
cans, T. bicolor, T. fulvus, T. testaceus var. limbatus, T. pallidus, Mal-
thinus fasciatus, Malachius bipustulatus, Dasytes plumbeo-niger, Tillus
M 2
140 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
elongatus, Anobium domesticum, A. paniceum (in store-box), Clytis arietis,
C. mysticus, Mesosa nubila, Rhagium inquisitor, R. bifasciatum, Towotus
meridianus, Anoplodera seaguttata, Grammoptera tabacicolor, G. ruficornis,
Donacia linearis, D. sericea, Lema cyanella, L. melanopa, Cryptocephalus
aureolus, Chrysomela polita, C. didymata, Lina populi, Gonioctena vimi-
nalis, Phedon tumiduium (Farley and New Forest), P. cochlearia, Pras-
courts aucta, Adimonia caprea, A. sanguinea, Galeruca viburni, Luperus
betulinus, L. flavipes, Hermeophaga mercurialis (near Farley), Crepidodera
transversa (near Selsdon Park), C. aurata, Aphthona caerulea, A. venus-
tula, Phyllotreta atra, P. nemorum (Farley), Plectroscelis concinna
(Farley), P. aridella, Thyamis lurida, T. thoracica, T’. melanocephala, T.
pusilla (Westerham), Helops striatus (everywhere), Lagria hirta (New
Forest and Westerham), Asclera cerulea. Anaspis frontalis, A. forcipata,
A. fasciata, A. rujicollis, A. thoracica, A. subtestacea, A. melanopa, Rhyn-
cites equatus, Apion striatum, A. difforme (Surrey), A. flavipes (Kent),
A. ervi, A. loti, A. miniatum, A. frumentarium, A. violaceum (every-
where), Cneorrhinus exaratus, Trachyphleus spinimanus, Strophosomus
coryli (New Forest and Westerham), Barypeithes brunnipes, Phillobius
pyrt, P. alneti, P. argentatus, P. maculicornis, P. pomone, Otiorrhyncus
pictpes, O. ovatus, Sitones puncticollis (Farley), Hylobius abietis, Orchestes
fagi, Celiodes quadrimaculatus (everywhere), Amalus scortillum, Rhin-
onchus pericarpius (near Selsdon Park), Balaninus glandiwm, B. villosus.
—Norman L. Gitvespie.
Notes on THE Lepiporrera or THE Harwicn District, 1902.—
I think it will be generally admitted that the season of 1902 was a
poor one for both perfect insects and larve, yet, in some respects, it
was a remarkable one in this district ; for while many of our most
common species were almost entirely absent, or very scarce, others
were more than usually abundant in both their stages. Of our butter-
flies, the common whites (Pieris brassice, rape, and napi) were rarely
seen, Huchloé cardamines was scarce, as were also the hybernated
Vanessids in the spring, and fresh specimens in the autumn, but the
larvee of Vanessa polychloros were very plentiful, as I have recorded
elsewhere, although the perfect insects were not noticed afterwards.
Two or three worn Pyrameis cardui were seen in June, and several
fresh ones in August and September. olias edusa was seen on
August 9th and 22nd, and one was captured on September 16th and
one on 17th. Lycena argiolus was tolerably numerous in the spring,
but the autumn brood was scarce, very late, fresh-looking butterflies
being seen up to September 17th, and larve only about half grown
were beaten from ivy on November 7th. Chrysophanus phleas I did
not see once during the year, though I kept a careful look-out for it,
as I wanted a female for eggs. At the end of May and beginning of
June the larve of Thecla quercus and Teniocampa cruda were more
numerous than I ever remember, dozens falling into the umbrella at
every blow of the beating-stick, but they were not accompanied by the
usual hosts of larve of 7’. stabilis, Cheimatobia brumata, Hybernia de-
Joliaria, H. leucophearia, &c., which are such pests in most seasons.
Searching for larve with a lantern at night, or beating undergrowth,
in April and beginning of May, was not very productive, the only
species in any numbers being Triphena jfimbria. . When full grown,
‘
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 141
these large fat larve are very easily seen as they crawl up long shoots
of Spanish chestnut, the opening leaves of which are a special attraction
tothem. Larve of Noctua triangulum, N. baja, and N. brunnea, usually
common, were very scarce, and I only beat one of Aplecta nebulosa.
At the end of May and beginning of June Hupithecia dodoneata was
taken rather commonly from trunks and branches of evergreen oak,
but it is a very local species here. At the beginning of June a few
larve of Pseudoterpna pruinata were beaten from broom, also a few of
Chesias spartiata, a species generally very abundant. At the same
time a few larve of Xylophasia scolopacina were swept after dark from
grass growing in shady places in woods, but most of these were stung,
and only about a dozen moths bred. Larve of Leucania straminea,
usually full grown about the middle of June, were still small on the
23rd of the month, and apparently very scarce; a few full grown were
taken towards the end of the month, but these were nearly all stung,
as is generally the case with late larve of this species. From the
middle to end of July Mamestra abjecta was met with on the coast in
goodly numbers, feasting on the blossoms of marram grass, and con-
tinued to visit this attractive bait, or sugar, until the end of August.
It is a species that gets worn very quickly, and should consequently be
taken as soon as possible after emergence. A few Senta maritima, with
three of the var. bimaculata and one of var. nigrostriata, were taken
among reeds in July. This is an insect that keeps out for a long time,
for I have taken it from middle of June to middle of August. <Agrotis
nigricans was beaten in numbers from lime blossom early in August,
and on 11th and 12th of the same month nearly two hundred pupe of
Nonagria geminipuncta were taken from reed stems. On the latter date
I received a larva of Acherontia atropos from Margate, the only one
noticed this year, and this produced a fine moth on October 31st.
Heliothis armigera was seen on September 1st, and on the 2nd fifty
pup of Nonagria typhe were taken from the stems of bulrushes, but
it was rather late for them, for several empty pupa-cases were found,
and one moth emerged on the way home. On the 7th of the same
month Cucullia asteris was bred, which was remarkably late, as on
that day I obtained thirty-seven of the larve, some of which were full
grown. A few larve of Pyrrhia (Chariclea) umbra were found on
Ononis in August and September, chiefly by searching with a lantern
at night, as they were then sitting quite exposed on the highest stems
of their food-plant. Beating oaks on the outskirts of woods and
bushes in hedges for larve in August and September was a miserable
failure, as scarcely any could be obtained that way, though some
autumn larve were very abundant in other places. Those of Hadena
oleracea simply swarmed on the tamarisk growing on the slopes facing
Dovercourt Bay, and when full grown were to be seen in hundreds
high up on the bushes, while others were constantly crossing the pave-
ments and paths, and scores were trodden under foot. The beautiful
larve of Cucullia asteris were very numerous on Aster tripolium by the
sides of ditches in the salt marshes; the conspicuous larve of Hadena
pist were equally plentiful on broom, the pretty larve of Polia serena
were numerous on flowers of Crepis virens, while those of E'mmelesia
unifasciata must have been in prodigious numbers on the flowers and
seeds of Bartsia, judging from the quantity I gathered in three small
142 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
bundles of the plant early in September. These were placed in three
bandboxes, with a part of their lid cut out, and muslin substituted.
In a day or two the larve began to appear on the muslin, and con-
tinued to do so until the middle of October, by which time I had
transferred no less than four hundred and seventy-seven into two of
my breeding-cages.—Grrvasr F. Marnew (Paymaster-in-Chief, Royal
Navy); Dovercourt, Essex, March 19th, 1908.
Notes on Cottectine Lepipoprera purine 1902.—In these notes
I do not intend to deal with all the species taken during the year, but
only with the more interesting captures.
‘‘Sugaring,”’ which is usually the most profitable mode of collect-
ing Lepidoptera, was, I think, this year, the least productive; March,
October, and November were. the only months in which moths were
attracted in anything like the usual numbers.
In March Teniocampa populeti and numerous hybernated Noctuz were
attracted ; and in October and November Cerastis vaccinii, Orthosia lota,
Calocampa exoleta, Gonoptera libatrix, and many others, were attracted :
while a few very favourable evenings in June produced Cymatophora or,
C. duplaris, and Grammesia trilinea in very small numbers.
This scarcity of moths at ‘‘sugar”’ was, I think, due to honeydew
having been so general. By working honeydewed bushes— which
stood somewhat isolated—with a lantern, I took Hydrecia micacea,
Miana literosa, M. bicoloria, Caradrina morpheus, C. taraxaci, C. cubicu-
laris, Agrotis nigricans, A. tritici (one),* and a number of others of less
interest.
Throughout the season dusking was by far the best mode of collect-
ing Lepidoptera ; the rarest moth obtained in this district during the
season was taken in this way by Mr. M. C. Dixon, who, on boxing a
specimen of Hydrilla palustris,t thought it was only Miana arcwosa.
Dusking in April and May resulted in the capture of Selenta bilunaria,
Lobophora carpinata (lobulata), Anticlea badiata, A. derivata, and Ci-
daria suffumata ; and in June Lithosia mesomella, Hepialus velleda, H.
lupulinus, H. hectus, Cilix glaucata, Odontopera bidentata, Aspilates
strigillaria, A. gilvaria, Lomaspilis marginata, numerous Kupitheciz,
Melanthia albicillata, Cidaria corylata, and a host of others.
In July the lanes and meadows swarmed with Lepidoptera (chiefly
Geometre) at dusk, and among the species taken were Leucania impura,
L. pallens, Axylia putris, Miana bicoloria, Uropterya sambucaria, Cidaria
prunata, C. fulvata, C. pyraliata, C. dotata, Pelurga comitata, and Hu-
bolia limitata.
During August very much the same things were taken as in July,
with a few exceptions and additions; among the latter were Larentia
olivata and H'pione apiciaria.
Later on, towards the end of the year, Hybernia aurantiaria, H.
defoliaria, Cheimatobia brumata, and C. boreata were taken.
* A. tritici; this is only the second occurrence of this insect in Carlisle,
and is rather a strange capture so far inland.—J. M.
+ Hydrilla palustris; this is the fifth specimen taken in the Carlisle
district; two were taken during the day, resting among the long grass; and
three—including that now referred to—have been casually netted at dusk
among other things. So far none have been taken at light.—J. M.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 1438
Day-work, like sugaring, was not what it should have been, owing
to the stormy weather (most particularly on Saturdays, my half-
holiday). But in spite of the weather I managed to net a few T'hecla
rubi between the showers in May; and in June and July I took Argynnis
selene, A. euphrosyne, Melitea aurinia (artemis), Erebia epiphron var.
cassiope, Cenonympha typhon (davus), Ino statices, Nemeophila plantaginis
(and var. hospita), Eimmelesia albulata, Eupithecia nanata, Melanippe
hastata, &e.
I did not get many day-flying Lepidoptera of any interest after
July, except Thecla quercus and numerous micros.
I have found dull days to be the best for trnnk-searching, and the
year 1902 not having been a sunny one, this mode of collecting was
more productive than in former years. In March Anisopteryx escu-
laria, and in April Xylocampa areola and Lobophora lobulata were
taken. During May and June Lepidoptera were very numerous on
tree-trunks. Among the more noteworthy were Demas coryli, Tephrosia
crepuscularia, T. biundularia, Bapta temerata, and Melanthia albicillata.
After June I did not find trunk-searching very productive, although I
took Amphidasys betularia, Thera firmata, &c.
The sallows, which in 1902 were very fine, were not workable
until the beginning of April, when they failed to attract Panolis pini-
perda in anything like the numbers taken in former years; and
although Tentocampa gothica, T. stabilis, and T. cruda were very
plentiful, Pachnabia rubricosa, Teniocampa instabilis, and T. gracilis were
not so.
Throughout the season working suburban gas-lamps was very pro-
ductive, especially in late summer and autumn.
During 1902 certain species were more plentiful than in 1901;
among these are Diloba c@ruleocephala, Hydrecia micacea, Luperina
testacea, and Plusia gamma; while some species—Chareas graminis and
Noctua xanthographa for example—have been very scarce, although
last year they simply swarmed.
Throughout the year I obtained many species by working flowers at
dusk and after. At patches of deadnettle (Lamium), just at dusk, I took
Habrostola tripartita, Plusia chrysitis, P. iota, and P. pulchrina. I also
found Carduus, Senecio, and Scabiosa very attractive to Lepidoptera,
both during the day and at night. Honeysuckle I have found most
attractive on nights when sugar has failed.
I paid special attention to larve, and by beating, sweeping, and
searching for species in this stage I have reared a large number of
Lepidoptera. From larve taken at night in the spring I bred, among
many other species, Noctua castanea, Triphena ianthina, T. fimbria,
Pseudoterpna cytisaria; and Melitea aurinia, Nemeophila russula, N.
plantaginis, &c., were bred from larve taken during the day.
I did not do much pupe-digging, as I gave all my spare moments
to larve-beating, although I bred Agriopis aprilina, Phigalia pedaria,
Hybernia defoliaria, &c., from pup dug at the foot of oaks. I also
got other pup, which I am now wintering along with a few hundred
pup from larve beaten, swept, &c., during summer and autumn.—
Jas. A. Matcorm; Carlisle, Jan. 1st, 1903.
Lepmoprera IN Surroik, 1902.—The year 1902 at the outset was
144 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
unseasonably mild; winter then came, and lingered in the lap of
spring and summer in most provoking fashion, so that it was not till
the end of May that I was tempted to set forth on a ramble after
Lepidoptera.
True I had heard of such things as Aleucis pictaria, Teniocampa
rubricosa, and Anticlea badiata having been taken at Ipswich street-
lamps, but to toil all night and catch only one specimen is not the
extent of my enthusiasm. I did visit the sallows once at Kaster, but
the wind came on to blow bitingly from the north-west, and having
shaken a few of the commoner Tniocampide into the sheet, I trudged
home disgusted, and chilled to the marrow. Not till April 8th did I
start my diary with the records of Hypena rostralis (2), Depressaria
applana (3), and Alucita polydactyla. These I discovered hybernating
in Freston Tower, of Margaret Catchpole associations. On April
29th Tinea fuscipunctella came to light ata public dinner at the Con-
servative Club. Then an uneventful month passed by till May 28th,
when I had the unexpected good fortune to obtain Amphidasys betu-
laria (var. doubledayaria), Acronycta rumicis, and Trachea piniperda
at light. All were in the pink of condition, a circumstance which
bespeaks the lateness of the season. With J. piniperda I was espe-
cially pleased, as I had been searching for it for ten years in various
parts of Suffolk without success, a fact which points to its rarity. I
believe the record is the first made in Ipswich. The doubledayaria var.
of A. betularia was a rich black specimen with scarcely a speck of
white, and that where the wings overlap. I have taken this melanic
form almost yearly, though my collecting has been unavoidably spas-
modic, which prompts the conclusion that it is by no means uncommon.
As Suffolk is practically an entirely agricultural county, the point may
be interesting to those who have sought for a solution in the influence
of smoke from manufacturing centres.
My first excursion to Belstead Wood, that favourite resort of col-
lectors, was on June 21st. I spent an afternoon with the beating-
stick, the result being the capture of Kphyra punctaria (common on
trunks), Macaria notata, Acidalia remutata (several), Panagra petraria
(several), Venilia maculata (2). Asthena luteata, A. candidata (plentiful),
Eudorea ambigualis (swarming on trunks), Roxana arcuella, Crambus
pascuellus, Halonota cirsiana (in cop. on a thistle-head), Herminia tarsi-
pennalis, Harpella geoffrella, Adela degereilla, and Glyphipteryx fusco-
viridella (these swarmed in sheltered patches). I found Anthocharis
cardamines in the country lanes still in good condition; one was a
female. Argynnis euphrosyne was just coming out. I revisited the wood
on the evening of June 25th, expecting to do well at dusking, but it
proved an utter failure. In the two hours beforehand, however, I was
kept continually going, my captures, mostly fugitives from trunks,
comprising :—Limacodes testudo, Drepana falcula (faleataria), Hepialus
sylvanus, Acidalia subsericeata, A. trigeminata (a lovely dark-marked
specimen), Cidaria corylata, Corycia temerata, E. punctaria, Hbulea ver-
bascalis, A. ramella, Gelechia fugitivella, G. terrella, G. proximella, Graci-
laria sweederella, Lithocolletis quercifoliella (several), Tischera complanella,
Ptycholoma lecheana (2), and Nepticula argentipedella, and many others
usually taken in May. Sphina ligustri and Smerinthus tilie I also
recorded in June.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 145
An hour round the lamps on June 30th yielded good results.
Pyralis costalis was in the pink of condition, and as numerous as last
year. Other micros bottled were Crambus cerusellus, Aspis udmanniana,
Tortrix forsterana, Spilodes verticalis (cinctalis), Hydrocampa stagnata,
Xanthosetia hamana.
Incidentally, I may say that it is my practice to immediately kill
all micros taken at light, keeping a separate poison-bottle fitted with a
lining of cotton-wool for this purpose. They can easily be dislodged
afterwards, and I find it more expeditious than using pill-boxes, whilst
if proper precautions are taken there need be no trouble about stiffening.
Reverting to the night in question, the Bombyces were only repre-
sented by Dicranura bifida and Ptilodontis palpina, and the Noctuse by
Dianthecia cucubali, Grammesia trilinea (3), and some other commoner
things. The Geometre, however, were in evidence, and included
Eurymene dolabraria, Acidalia amataria, Hupithecia rectangulata, E. suc-
centurtata, Phibalapteryx vitalbata.
Old walls were not so productive as I usually find them, but in the
same spot where I always can find Pedisca bilunana I boxed what
proved to be my most interesting record of the year, inasmuch as its
identity at the time of writing is a matter of question, I believe. It is
at present in the collection of Mr. C. G. Barrett, F.E.S., to whom I
presented it after he had kindly endeavoured to name it. The specimen
is a very fine one, and has a characteristic look about it, whilst it is
much smaller than Gelechia fugitivella. The fact, however, that it was
taken near some elms, Mr. Barrett thinks, strongly points to its being
a tiny variety of that species. At any rate itis the nearest to it of any
species known to Mr. Barrett. I should have added that the curious
capture was made on June 28th, at Ipswich, at the foot of Anglesea
Road.
Among other interesting micros descried on wall or paling were two
dark forms of Pedisca oppressana, and some extremely variable Tortrix
xylosteana and Batodes angustiorana ; also a large Hyponomeuta padella.
Specimens of Bucculatrix boyerella and Argyresthia retinella were also
discovered. Tinea fuscipunctella, T. merdella, 1’. pellionella, and Gelechia
affinis were located in an attic.
Another visit on a fine day to Belstead Wood, on July 9th, was not
at all unproductive. At the cottage in the lane I found the good lady
had been keeping a very fine specimen of Smerinthus ocellatus, male,
for the first comer. It was alive, but scarcely damaged. Search
about the garden and outbuildings resulted in the finding of swarms
of Tinea ferruginella, which were flying in groups like gnats. I boxed
a very fine series, also a large and dark 7. pellionella. Though
there were numerous Acidalia virgularia on the sheds, I failed to find
any more of the unique var. which I recorded the year before. The
captures at the wood were not of great importance, but I was inter-
ested to net Homeosoma sinuella again. Other species met with were
Penthina cynosbatella, Sericoris lacunana (8), S. urticana, Hbulea verbas-
calis, Dicrorampha petiverella, Grapholitha trimaculana (common), Spilo-
nota dealbana, Gelechia terrella, (Kcophora lunaris, CH. fuscescens, Arqy-
resthia brochella (4), Coleophora limosipennella, Cemiostoma laburnelia,
a var. of Vortrix unifasciana, &c. Amongst other records for July
were Cicogenia quadripunctata, Tineola biselliella, and Tinea merdella.
146 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
I spent the first week of August at Felixstowe, but did no active
collecting, as I was a victim to cramp most of the time. I was lucky
one night, however, to take Spilodes palealis off a lamp; also Liparis
chrysorrhaa. Aygena filipendule were found flying in the same spot on
the common as the previous year. but nowhere else. (elechia desertella
was common, and I found one G. populella on palings. I left Suffolk
to go on a holiday to Bath, but the only good things taken were Bryo-
phila glandifera and Qicophora unitella.
The latter end of August I removed from Suffolk to Norwich, and
the exigencies of work on a daily paper precluded any collecting.
Catocala nupta seemed to be numerous on walls, and I also saw Xanthia
cerago and Polia flavicincta. Melanthia bicolorata was taken off a
naturalist’s window. The usual winter Geometre were observed on
the street-lamps.—Cuaupe A. Pyert; 25, Grosvenor Road, Norwich.
SOCIETIES.
EntomouocicaL Society or Lonpon.— March 4th, 1903.—Professor
H. B. Poulton, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S. President, in the chair.—Mr. Harry
Hltringham, of Hastgarth, Westoe, South Shields, was elected a
Fellow of the Society.—Colonel Bingham sent for exhibition specimens
of Diptera and two Aculeates from Sikhim, constituting in the banding
of the wings and other characteristics a striking instance of mimicry.
The Rev. F. D. Morice drew attention to the way in which the fly imi-
tated with its tibia the tarsus of the bee.—Mr. A. J. Chitty exhibited
specimens of Atomaria rhenana, Kr., taken by him out of some flood
rubbish found near Lancing, probably the same locality where the
beetle was discovered formerly by Dr. Sharp. He also exhibited a
Ptinus, apparently new to Britain, where it had probably been intro-
duced, found in a granary in Holborn in 1893.—Mr. W. J. Kaye
exhibited species of Lepidoptera from British Guiana, forming a
Miillerian Association in which all but one were day-flying moths, the
exception being an Erycinid butterfly, H’sthemopsis sericina. The moths,
belonging to three families, included Syntomide: Agyrta micilia and
Euagra celestina ; Hypside: Iostola divisa : Geometride (?) : Pseudar-
bessa decorata. It appears very evident from the specimens collected
over eighteen months in exactly the same place, that the Syntomide
in being so numerous have acted as the types, toward which the other
species have converged. The particular interest of the exhibit con-
sisted in the association being one of moths, a butterfly being the ex-
ception, and not one of butterflies with perhaps a single moth, which
latter is so frequently the case in South America. The butterfly most
closely resembled Agyrta micilia, one of the Syntomide that is perhaps
the most abundant of all the groups.—Mr. C. O. Waterhouse read a
paper entitled ‘‘ Notes on the Nests of Bees of the Genus Trigona;”’
Mr. G. A. Rothney communicated a paper on ‘‘ The Aculeate Hymeno-
ptera of Barrackpore, Bengal,’ and ‘“ Descriptions of eighteen new
species of Larride and Apide from Barrackpore, by Peter Cameron ;
and Colonel Charles Swinhoe communicated a paper ‘‘On the Aganiide
in the British Museum, with descriptions of some new species.”
SOCIETIES. 147
March 18th.—The President in the chair.—Mr. H. W. Bell-Marley,
Durban, Natal; Mr. J. C. Dollman, Newton Grove, Bedford Park, W.;
Mr. W. W. Rowlands, Lickey Grange, near Bromsgrove; and Prof. J.
H. Taylor, M.A., The Yorkshire College, Leeds, were elected Fellows of
the Society. —The Rev. F. D. Morice exhibited, with drawings, a dissected
gynandromorphous specimen of a bee (Osmia fulviventris, Panz.) sent to
him (with the gynandromorphous Kucera exhibited at the last meeting,
and several other similar monstrosities),by M. Jean Vachal, of Argentat,
France. The species is a common one; whether that called fulviventris
in the British list is a variety of it, or a distinct species, is not yet finally
decided. — Mr. A. Bacot exhibited a number of specimens of Malaco-
soma neustria X castrensis in various stages, including a series of six
male and sixteen female imagines reared during 1902 from one batch
of ova laid by a female castrensis, which had been mated with a male
neustria, and two females reared from another batch of ova the result
of a similar cross; also blown larve of hybrid parentage, and twigs
showing attempts at ovipositing on the part of female hybrids that had
paired with hybrid males of the same brood ; also a series of M. neustria,
M. castrensis, and the hybrid moths reared during 1901 for com-
parison. The females attempted ege- laying, adopting the position and
motions of normal females of castrensis, but at each opening of the
ovipositor they produced only the small drop of cement which accom-
panies the egg in the normal oviposition of the parent species, result-
ing ina more or less perfect spiral band of cement upon the twigs.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the exhibit was the great vari-
ability shown by the specimens comprising the larger of the 1902 brood
compared with the remarkable uniformity of the hybrid moths reared
during the previous year.—Mr. H. St. J. Donisthorpe exhibited speci-
mens of T’rimium brevicorne, Reich., from Chiddingfold, Surrey, an un-
usually southern locality for this species.—Mr. C. P. Pickett, specimens
of Hybernia leucophearia and Phigalia pedaria taken at Chingford, and
ova of Endromis versicolora on birch twigs, laid March 16th. The
parent moths paired the day before at 1.20 p.m., and remained in cop.
thirty-three and a-half hours. The female in the act of oviposition
prefers to rest head downwards, and sometimes uses the back legs for
arranging the ova.—Mr. G. C. Champion exhibited a long series of a
series of Cneorrhinus (? pyriformis) from Piedrahita, Spain, and called
attention to the great dissimilarity between the sexes, and also to the
possibility of the females being dimorphic, one form clothed with green
scales, and the other with grey scales like the male. He also exhibited
Dorcadion dejeani, Chevr., from the Sierra de Bejar, a species peculiar
to that district, — Mr. R. McLachlan, F.R.S., exhibited a dragonfly
belonging to a small species of the genus Orthetr um, attacked by
an Asilid fly almost as large as itself, taken in Persia in June, 1902,
by Mr. H. F. Witherby. The fly had inserted its proboscis at the
junction of the head and prothorax, a vulnerable point. He also
exhibited a female specimen of a large Aischnid dragonfly, Hemianax
ephippiger, Burm., captured in a street at Devonport, on Feb. 24th,
1903. ‘The species has once been observed on the Continent as far
north as Brussels.—Professor EK. B. Poulton, F.R.S., exhibited seasonal
forms of Precis antilope, parent and offspring, bred in 1902 by Mr. G.
A. K. Marshall in South Africa, showing the remarkable dimorphism
148 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
of the species, which was especially noticeable in the protective colour-
ing of the under side of the dry-season form as compared with the
startling conspicuousness of the wet. He also exhibited Precis celes-
tina, captured by Dr. C. A. Wiggins in the Victoria Nyanza region,
with the dry-season form of that species, now taken probably for the first
time. The resemblance of the under side of the latter to dead leaves was
very marked. Prof. Poulton also showed lantern-slides of the same
two species.—Mr. W. J. Lucas exhibited with the lantern a slide
showing the larva of Cossus ligniperda in its gallery in a tree-trunk.
—Dr. T. A. Chapman exhibited with the lantern a series of slides
illustrating the life-history of Liphyra brassolis, as described in the
‘Entomologist,’ vol. xxxv., pp. 153, 184.—Mr. G. C. Champion, F.Z.5.,
read a paper on ‘‘An Entomological Excursion to Bejar, Central
Spain.”—Mr. Edward Saunders, F.R.S., F.L.8., communicated a
paper on ‘‘ Hymenoptera Aculeata collected by the Rev. A. E. Katon,
M.A., in Madeira and Teneriffe, in the spring of 1902.”—Dr. Frede-
rick A. Dixey, M.A., M.D., read a paper, illustrated by lantern-slides,
«On Lepidoptera from the White Nile, collected by Mr. W. L. 8. Loat,
F.Z.8.; with further Notes on Seasonal Dimorphism in Butterflies.’
He said that Mr. Loat’s series did not seem to favour the opinion that
had been held that Teracolus evagore as described and figured by Klug
was the dry-season form of 7’. yerburiit, Swinh. It appeared from this
and other evidence that Mr. G. A. K. Marshall was right in dissociating
the two forms.
April 1st.—The President in the chair.—Mr. M. Jacoby exhibited
specimens of Rhagiosoma madagascariensis, Heyd., from Madagascar,
and Carpophagus banksia, McLeay, and Mecynodera coxalgica, Boisd.,
from Australia. In appearance they presented many characteristics
not usually associated with phytophagous Coleoptera. — Mr. C. P.
Pickett exhibited forced specimens of Dilina tilig bred from Hssex
pupe this year. In two females the usual rust-coloured markings on
the fore wings were abnormally pale, and the hind wings were black.
In another female the rust-red hue pervaded the whole wing area, the
four normal green blotches being a deep reddish brown, corresponding
with a form of Smerinthus populi frequently bred. A third female dis-
played light-brown hind wings; while one male was of the normal
female colouration.—Mr. W. J. Lucas exhibited lantern-slides of the
specimen of Hemianax ephippiger, and of the Orthetrum species attacked
by an Asilid fly, shown by Mr. R. McLachlan at the last meeting.—
Dr. T. A. Chapman read a paper entitled ‘“‘ Contributions to the Life-
history of Orina (Chrysochioa) tristis var. smaragdina.”’—Sir George
Hampson read a paper on ‘‘ Apoprogones hesperistis, a remarkable
new lepidopterous insect from Zululand.” He said that the genus
must be referred to the family Huschemonide, which is represented by
the single species Huschemon rafflesia, Westw. In what quarter of the
globe the family originated it was impossible to say, but the appear-
ance of the species in question suggested that it was a survival of the
scattered remnant of the Antarctic fauna. It was, however, most
remarkable that the genus should occur in Africa and Australia alone.
—Mr. F. Enock read a paper, illustrated with lantern-slides, on ‘‘ The
Life-history of Cicindela campestris.” A discussion followed as to how
far the abundance of food in the larval state affects the development
SOCIETIES. 149
of insects, in which Mr. W. E. Sharp, the President, and other
Fellows took part. Mr. Enock said that where the food supply hap-
pened to be insufficient, neuropterous nymphs would continue two
years in that stage, and Mr. C. O. Waterhouse mentioned a case
reported to him of the larve of Vanessa urtice which, having exhausted
their summer pabulum, retired to hybernate until the following year.
Mr. A. J. Chitty said he had observed that coleopterous larve under
similar circumstances would consume flies ; while Mr. H. St. J. Donis-
thorpe said that he had bred successfully a phytophagous species of the
same order by feeding them on paper.—H. Rownanp-Brown, Hon. Sec.
Sours Lonpon Enromonocicat anp Naturat History Socimry.—
Feb. 26th.—Mr. Step, F.L.S., President, in the chair.—Mr. F. G. Cannon,
of Hampstead, was elected a member.—A special donation to the
library was announced, consisting of a complete set of the papers and
articles written by Prof. E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., on protective resem-
blance in insects, from the author.—Mr. Turner exhibited a number
of species of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Diptera taken
during a week spent at Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, in company
with Mr. Step. Most of the species were common, but interesting as
being records from a hitherto unworked district. Soronia punctatissima,
a coleopteron found in some numbers in a Cossus-infected poplar tree,
was worth noting as a new record for Ireland.—Mr. G. W. Browne, a
number of Lepidoptera from Deal, taken in August, 1902, and includ-
ing long and varied series of Agrotis tritici and A. valligera, together
with Syrichthus malve vy. taras from Hailsham, Apamea ophiogramma
from Lee, Dicycla oo from Lee, and Iodis vernaria from Lee.—Mr.
Goulton exhibited some very fine photographic slides of the ova and
larvee of several species of Lepidoptera.
March 12th.—Mr. KE. Step, F.L.S., President, in the chair. Mr.
Hickman, of Kennington Road, and Mr. Furnival, of Harlesden, were
elected members. — Dr. Chapman exhibited living examples of the
three Kuropean species of the genus Thais: viz. T. rumina, T. poly-
vena, and 1’. cerisyi. He also showed a bird parasite, Docophorus com-
munis ?, taken from a blackbird, and called attention to the curious
jointed appendage in front of the antenna, which form a guard to the
latter organ, and is said to occur in no other group of insects.— Mr.
R. Adkin, series of Acidalia aversata, consisting of broods from a non-
banded female and from a banded female. In both cases, banded and
non-banded, offspring were produced. He also read notes as to the
colour-variation of the two series.— Mr. W. J. Kaye, specimens of
Larentia didymata, bred off broom from Co. Kerry. They had a very
reduced central black band, and all the markings were very clearly
contrasted with the very pale ground colour.—Professor E. B. Poulton,
F.R.S., gave an address on ‘‘ Recent Researches in Protective Resem-
blance, Warning Colours, and Mimicry in Insects,” and illustrated his
remarks with a very large number of lantern-slides.
March 26th.— The President in the chair. Mr. EK. Warne, St.
John’s Hill, Clapham, was elected a member—Mr. Jennings exhibited
a series of the very local Cryptocephalus bipunctatus (var. lineola, F.)
taken at Charing, Kent, on hazel bushes.—Mr. Colthrup, hybernating
larval nests of Porthesia chrysorrhea from Newhaven, where they could
150 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
be found abundantly.—Mr. W. J. Kaye, the two Ithomiines, Methona
confusa and Thyridia psidii, from British Guiana, and remarked on the
wonderful agreement in colour between these two distinct species, both
there and in Paraguay.—Mr. Adkin, a very dark example of Amorpha
(Smerinthus) populi bred from a larva taken at Bexley. It was con-
siderably darker than a Sutherland example in both the olive-grey of
the fore wings and the red patch of the hind wings.— Dr. Chapman,
specimens of Lasioptera rubi, a Cecidomyid that makes swellings in the
stems of bramble..—Mr. Hy. J. Turner, a large number of species of
various orders of insects, collected at Amersham, Bucks, during a
week’s holiday spent there at the end of June, 1902, and gave notes
on the fauna and flora of the district—Hy. J. Turner (Hon. Rep. Sec.).
LaNcASHIRE AND CHESHIRE EnromonocicaL Socirery.—The Annual
Meeting of the above Society was held in the Royal Institution on
Monday, January 19th, when, in the unadvoidable absence of the
President, Mr. S. J. Capper, F.H.S., Dr. J. W. Ellis presided over a
large attendance of members. Mr. J. Hidson Taylor, of Buxton, was
unanimously elected a member of the Society.—The following officers
were elected to serve during 1903:—President, Mr. S. J. Capper,
F.E.8.; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. W. Webster, F.R.S.A.I., R. Tait,
Jun., and F. C. Thompson; Hon. Treasurer, Dr. J. Cotton, F.E.S. ;
Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. E. J. B. Sopp, F.R.Met.S., F. Birch, and
H. Tonkin; Hon. Librarian, Mr. R. Wilding; Council, Dr. G. W.
Chaster, Messrs. J. R. le B. Tomlin, F.E.S., F. N. Pierce, F.E.S.,
John Lea, W. A. Tyerman, W. D. Harrison, and A. Tippins. — Mr.
R. Newstead read a paper on the life-history of the following species
of Coccide: Hviopeltis festuce, Lichtensia viburni, Vinsonia stellifera,
Pseudococcus ulicis ; and also some important observations on the male
of Lecanium hesperidum, which he has discovered undergoes a complete
metamorphosis, as in the males of other species of the Coccide. Mr.
Newstead also dealt with the formation of the curious test of waxy
covering in Ceroplastes, and some important observations on the secre-
tion of honeydew in Palvinaria vitis var. ribesi@, a full account of
which will appear in the second volume of his work on the Coccide of
the British Isles, shortly to be published by the Ray Society. — The
following exhibits were examined :—A pair of Chrysophanus dispar from
Yaxley (1848), forming a portion of probably the last catch of the
large copper in Britain, and a beautiful series of Lycena arion from
S. Devon, taken in 1902 by Mr. J. R. Charnley, who also exhibited,
on behalf of Mr. T. Dewhirst, most excellent slides of Cerura vinula
and Pieris rape; the genus Oporabia, showing hybrid forms between
O. filigrammaria and O. autumnaria, by Mr. Pierce; nymphs and
imagines of the exotic earwig, Chelioches morio, from Sandakan and the
Dammar Islands, by Mr. Sopp; Lycena acis, by Mr. Collins; series of
Erebia blandina, &c., by Mr. Prince; and an almost black dAdraaxas
grossulariata, by Mr. A. Tippins.
The second ordinary meeting was held in the Royal Institution,
Liverpool, on Monday, the President, Mr. 8. J. Capper, presiding over a
large attendance of members. The minutes having been confirmed,
the Secretary announced donations to the library from Dr. J. Harold
Bailey (Port Erin), and Mr. H. St. John K. Donisthorpe, F.4Z.5.
SOCIETIES. 151
(London). Mr. A. H. Lister, of Bootle, was unanimously elected a
member of the Society, after which, on the motion of Dr. Cotton
(St. Helen’s), seconded by Mr. J. R. le B. Tomlin (Chester), it was
decided to hold a summer gathering in Delamere Forest on June 138th.
The paper of the evening was contributed by Dr. Edmund Capper, of
Leicester, son of the veteran President, who dealt in a most interesting
manner with ‘the story of Actdalia contiquaria,”’ of which desirable
lepidopteron he had probably captured more specimens, in its natural
habitat on and in the neighbourhood of Moel Llys, than any other
entomologist. Dr. Capper’s paper, which traced the first occurrence
of A. contiguaria to the late Mr. Richard Weaver in 1855 to its distri-
bution at the present day, also dealt with many important facts in the
life-history of the species. The paper was discussed by Mr. S. J.
Capper, Dr. J. Ellis, and Messrs. Pierce and Tait, the latter of whom
confirmed the lecturer’s premise that only one brood was produced
during the year. A hearty vote of thanks having been accorded Dr.
Capper, the following exhibits were made :—Noctua flammatra, Xylina
conformis, Leucania extranea, and other rare British Noctuide, by Mr.
F. N. Pierce (Liverpool) ; long series of the light and dark forms of A.
contiguaria from Penmaenmawr, by Mr. R. Tait, junr. (Manchester) ;
Thanasimus formicarius, new to the local list, by Mr. Guy Dunlop
(Mossley Hill); embryo nest of Vespa germanica from beehive, by Mr.
F. Birch (Liverpool) ; a fine series of Odontopera bidentata, varying
from black to very pale brown, and including one semi-diaphanous
specimen, by Mr. B. H. Crabtree (Manchester), and a fine example of
(EH dipoda caerulescens, of which two specimens have been taken at South-
ampton, by Mr. H. J. B. Sopp (Birkdale), Hon. Secretary.
Birmineuam Ewromonocicat Society. — February 16th, 1908. —
Annual Meeting.—Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, Vice-President, in the
chair. The annual reports of Council and of the Treasurer, &c., were
received. The following were elected to be Officers and Council for
the ensuing year:— President, Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker; Vice-
President, Mr. R. C. Bradley; Treasurer, Mr. R. C. Bradley; Libra-
rian, Mr. A. H. Martineau; Hon. Secretary, Mr. Colbran J. Wain-
wright; Members of Council, Messrs. H. Willoughby Ellis, J. T.
Fountain, A. D. Imms, and G. W. Wynn. The following were
exhibited :—By Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, the remarkable Lycenid
Liphyra brassolis, Hew., in various stages; larve in spirit, pupe and
imagines. He gave an account of its remarkable life-history as far as
it has been discovered by Mr. Dod. He also showed imagines of three
species of Ogyris, which are also ant-feeding Lycenids, but about
which less is known at present.—Mr. H. Willoughby Ellis, two drawers
of Carabide, including the Anisodactylina, Pterostichina, and Har-
palina, which were shown partly to illustrate his new method of
carding every specimen separately for greater convenience in examina-
tion.—Mr. A. H. Martineau, pupe of a wasp from Mexico with a big
fungus—Cordiceps sp. ?—growing out of the thorax. It grows out be-
tween the prothorax and mesothorax, splitting the latter. It was
remarked as curious that the insect should have successfully reached
the pupal stage in each case.—Cortpran J. Wainwricut, Hon. Sec.
152 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
RECENT LITERATURE.
Economic Reports :—(1) C. P. Lounssury, 1902, ‘‘ Rep. Govt. Entom.
for 1901,’ Cape of Good Hope, pp. 1-103; 6 plates. (2) CuaupE
Futter, 1902, ‘© 2nd Rep. Govt. Entom. (for 1901), Natal,
pp. 1-72; 2 plates and 26 text figs. (3) J. B. Smirn, 1902,
‘Rep. Hntom. Dept. New Jersey Agric. Coll. Experiment Sta.
for 1901,” pp. i-viil, and 463-587 ; 36 figs. (of which 15 are full-
page). (4) Cxcm Warsurton, ‘‘ Orchard and Bushfruit Pests,
and how to Combat them,” 1902 (Publ. R. Agric. Soc. England),
pp. 1-20; 12 original text figs.
Turse Reports are all of the general character of those issued from
time to time by their respective Governments. Beyond a brief note
relating the introduction of natural checks for insect pests, the greater
part of the Cape Kntomologists’ Report deals with Tick-Heartwater
investigations, ‘‘ Heartwater’”’ being a disease, often fatal, of goats and
sheep, supposed to be transmitted by a species of tick (Amblyomma
hebreum). The Natal second Report forms a supplement to the first,
with general remarks upon the year’s work. We regret to learn that
Mr. Fuller's engagement was originally for three years only, and that
this may be his last Report. We trust that this may not be the case,
but that more enlightened counsel may direct the Natal Government’s
policy. Mr. Fuller has our sympathy in the apathy of the Natal
farmers and fruitgrowers. He made arrangements to deliver three
lectures on insect pests, but the first two fell throngh from ‘‘ want of
time’ at the meetings; at the third, which was specially arranged,
two individuals turned up, ‘the President of the Association and
myself.’’ The people of the district certainly deserve the worst that
may happen to them.
Dr. Smith’s Reports are so well known that a lengthy notice is un-
necessary. The major part of the present bulletin deals at length
with the ‘‘ Mosquito and Malaria’ question. An account is also given
of the attempts—largely successful—to naturalize the accidentally in-
troduced Chinese Mantid—Tenodera sinensis. It is hoped that these
predaceous, ever-hungry Orthoptera, which have actually reproduced
in New Jersey while at large, will prove valuable allies against some of
the worst insect pests of the State.
The Agricultural Society’s Report is of a popular nature, no
scientific names being employed, and deals with various orchard pests.
It will doubtless be useful to fruit-growers.—G. W. K.
T. D. A. Cockeretu. ‘ The Classification of the Aleyrodide”’ (July 31,
1902), Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia. Pp. 279-283. Plate xv.
Two genera of this rhynchotal family are acknowledged—Aleuro-
dicus with thirteen species, all inhabiting the warmer parts of America
(except one form from the Viti Isles, which Cockerell suspects was intro-
duced upon Psidiwm from America) ; a new subgenus, Dialeurodicus, is
formed for the thirteenth species. The second genus, Aleyrodes, is
cosmopolitan ; ninety-seven species are enumerated, distributed among
five subgenera (three new). It would perhaps have been an improve-
ment had full references been given; the list of species, however, is
very useful, and forms a companion to the author’s well-known Check-
list of Coccide and first supplement thereto.—G. W. K.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vor. XXXVI] JUNE, 19038. [No. 481.
AN ABERRATION OF MELITAA DIDYMA.
By H. Rowzanp-Brown, M.A., F.E.S.
gig
{
|
:
wc SD a kc a a ce RS
Tuts pretty aberration of Melitea didyma (male) was taken
by me in the valley of the Tarn, near Chateau de la Caze,
Cevennes, on July 23rd, 1901. The under side is remarkable for
the almost perfect obliteration of the outer fulvous band on the
lower wings, and the disappearance of the usual arrangement of
black spots between it and the basal band, which, again, has
absorbed the inner white area, and covers practically the basal
ENTOM.—JUNE, 1903. N
154 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
area to the costa. There is a similar poverty of spots on the
upper wings, and the upper surface is also almost devoid of
markings. The lower figure represents a normal male specimen
for comparison. I may add that all through the very interesting
mountain region of South-central France the orange-red and
orange-brown coloration, both in Melitea and in Argynnis, tends
to a clear cold clay-yellow-brown, especially in A. niobe, of which
species the ab. eris, as elsewhere in the more elevated regions of
France and Switzerland, appears to predominate. Specimens of
didyma from Cortina-di-Ampezzo exhibit a similar tendency ;
the fiery foxy brown of the wing pigment being in my series
much subdued and deadened. Both in the male and female, but
especially in the latter, the aberrant tendency is most marked,
whether on the upper or under side, while I have seen specimens
of Melitea cinxia, notably some exhibited by Mr. H. Goss at the
Entomological Society last year, nearly approaching the extreme
form of didyma which I have figured.
0) TWO NEW AUSTRALIAN CULICIDS.
By Frep. V. Turopaup, M.A.
Tue following are descriptions of two new Culicids recently
sent me by Dr. Bancroft from Queensland. There is at present
a plague of mosquitoes in Queensland and other parts of
Australia, the two commonest species being Culex annulirostris,
Skuse, and C. marinus, Theobald.
Genus Macumaya, nov. gen.
Intermediate between Stegomyia and Culex.
Head covered with flat scales over most of its surface, but with
a median line of narrow-curved scales. Palpi short in the female, three-
jointed, with two basal constrictions ; apical joint minute, penultimate
joint large, swollen apically and truncated; the ante-penultimate
broad apically, becoming narrower and swollen again basally, two
basal constrictions looking almost like joints. The apex of the penul-
timate joint is studded with round spots. Palpi long in the male, longer
than the proboscis, the two apical joints short, rather swollen, also the
apex of the ante-penultimate ; hair-tufts rudimentary. Thorax with
narrow-curved scales; scutellum with small flat scales on the median
lobe, narrow-curved ones on the lateral lobes.
This genus differs from Stegomyia, to which it bears a strong
superficial resemblance, in having narrow-curved scales on the
centre of the head and on the lateral lobes of the scutellum.
A single species only is known.
TWO NEW AUSTRALIAN CULICIDS. 165
Macleaya tremula, n. sp.
Head silvery grey, with two large prominent black patches ; pro-
boscis black, unbanded. Thorax deep brown, with indistinct dull
golden lines, the lateral ones over and in front of the roots of the
wings curved, and white-scaled prothoracic lobes; pleure testaceous
brown, with small white scales; scutellum brown, with white and
black scales to the median lobe, white to lateral lobes. Abdomen
black, the segments with median, basal, and lateral basal spots, the
median creamy, the lateral white; venter with basal creamy bands.
Legs black, the fore and the mid with narrow white basal bands to the
metatarsi and front tarsals; the hind legs with a broad white basal
band to metatarsi and first and second tarsals, third tarsal all black,
fourth all white. Wings transparent.
?. Head black, with flat black scales forming a large patch on
each side, then a small grey patch, another small black one, and then
more grey scales outside ; the middle of the head with silvery-white
narrow-curved scales, and a silvery-white line around the eyes;
numerous small black upright forked scales over the occiput; palpi
black with grey tips; clypeus and proboscis black; antenne black,
the base of the second joint bright testaceous, the second joint with
small grey scales. Thorax deep brown, covered with very small
narrow-curved bronzy-brown scales, with more or less pronounced
irregular lines of pale golden scales; the line over and in front of the
root of each wing curved ; the golden scales are broader than the dark
ones; on each side in front is a short line of white scales, and the pro-
thoracic lobes are covered with similar coloured scales; in front of the
scutellum are irregular (often indistinct) short lines of larger pale
creamy scales, and some long backwardly projecting black ones; scu-
tellum testaceous brown, the mid lobe with small flat grey scales in
the middle, black ones at the sides, the lateral lobes with narrow-curved
whitish ones; border-bristles large and black, there are also very large
black ones on the mesonotum; metanotum black ; pleure brown, with
patches of flat grey scales. Abdomen black, the segments with basal
median creamy spots, and basal lateral silvery white ones; the last
segment (sometimes the last two) without the median spot; first seg-
ment testaceous, with black scales; border-bristles jet-black ; venter
white at the base, some of the segments with basal white areas, the
apical segments black; genitalia white-scaled. Legs black, banded ;
coxe pale, with patches of white scales, very long; femora black above,
white ventrally ; knee spot white; tibie black; in the fore and mid
legs the metatarsi and first tarsal joints have narrow white basal
bands, last three tarsi black; in the hind legs the metatarsi, first and
second tarsal segments have broad snowy-white basal bands, the third
tarsal is all black, and the fourth all white; ungues of all three pairs
of legs equal and simple. Wings with brown scales, the lateral scales
long and thin; the first submarginal cell longer and narrower than
the second posterior cell, its hase nearer the base of the wing, its stem
less than half the length of the cell, stem of the second posterior cell
as long as the cell; posterior cross-vein longer than the mid, about
one and half times its own length distant from it; first longitudinal
N 2
156 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
and the subcostal densely scaled with large dark brown spathulate
scales ; fringe brown ; base of the wing pale; halteres pale ochraceous.
Length, 4-5 mm.
3. Palpi black-scaled, apical joint white, base of penultimate joint
white, also apex of the ante-penultimate, a small pale band about the
middle of the long ante-penultimate joint, a few prominent black
bristles on the last two joints, not forming regular hair-tufts, a distinct
black spine at the apex of the ante-penultimate joint; the apical joimt
about half the length of the penultimate; plume-hairs of antenne
deep brown. Thorax as in the female. Abdomen narrow, brown,
with either basal lateral white spots or basal white bands, which
spread out laterally ; hairy. Basal lobes of the genitalia broad and
truncated. Legs ornamented as in the female; fore and mid ungues
unequal, the larger uniserrated; hind equal and simple. Length,
4-5 mm.
Hab. South Queensland.
Time of capture. February.
Observations.—Described from a series of dried and spirit
specimens collected and bred by Dr. Bancroft. This species was
taken breeding in a fresh-water well near Dr. Bancroft’s house.
It does not appear to bite the human subject. Dr. Bancroft bred
them out from larve in conjunction with those of S. notoscripta
and C. fatigans. It is a very marked species, easily told by the
leg-banding, thoracic and abdominal ornamentation. The thorax
is subject to some variation, owing partly to denudation of the
golden scales. The abdomen in the male is also variable, the
lateral spots often merging and forming complete basal white
bands.
Genus Stecomyia, Theobald (Mono-Culicid. i. p. 288, 1901).
Stegomyta punctolateralis, n. sp.
Thorax black, with dense bronzy-brown scales, unadorned except
for pale scaled lines laterally ; pleure snowy white, the white extend-
ing on to the mesonotum as a broad white line in front of the roots of
the wings, and a narrower one just over the roots of the wings; pro-
thoracic lobes white, separated by a black curved line from the mesonotum.
Proboscis black, unbanded. Abdomen black, with apical white lateral
spots; venter mostly white. Legs black, unbanded ; coxe and venter
of femora, tibiz, and to some extent the venter of the metatarsi of hind
legs, white.
@. Head covered with flat bronzy-brown scales, and a pale
almost white border round the eyes. Palpi, proboscis, clypeus, and
antenne deep black. Palpi slightly clavate, much contracted at the
base, apical joint minute. Thorax black, with. bronzy-brown narrow-
curved scales, paler almost grey ones behind and at the sides forming
lateral pale lines, and a narrower one just over the roots of the wings ;
prothoracic lobes white scaled, separated from the rest of the thorax
by a prominent black line ; pleure densely white scaled ; scutellum
with small flat grey scales and brown border-bristles, four to the mid
TWO NEW AUSTRALIAN CULICIDS. lor
lobe; metanotum deep brown. Abdomen deep brown with violet
reflections, in some lights under the microscope bright violet, each
seoment with prominent apical later creamy spots, which in some
seoments spread almost across the apical borders so as to form promi-
nent apical pale lines, but they never quite meet, except in the penul-
timate segment; the first seement testaceous, with large dense black
scales in two confluent spots, with brown bristles ; border-bristles very
short, pale brown, shining apically. Venter creamy white; the apical
spots are very pronounced on the ventral surface of dried specimens.
Legs jet-black ; venter of femora, of tibis and hind metatarsi silvery
white ; ungues small, equal, and simple. Wings with brown scales ;
fork-cells of moderate length, the first submarginal considerably longer
and narrower than the second posterior cell, its base nearer the base
of the wing; stem of the first submarginal cell more than half its
length ; stem of the second posterior nearly as long as the cell;
posterior cross-vein about twice its own length distant from the mid
cross-vein. Halteres with dull testaceous stem and fuscous knob.
Length, 4:5 mm.
g. Thorax and abdomen as in the female, but the abdomen nar-
rower, and the apical lateral spots not quite so prominent. Basal
lobes of genitalia densely bristly, bristles large and arise from distinct
papille; claspers long and thin, simple. Antenne deep brown, with
deep brown plume-hairs, pale banding more or less noticeable ; pro-
boscis black ; palpi shorter than the proboscis, deep blackish brown,
no ‘‘hair-tufts,”’ the last two joints of nearly equal length, the apical
one slightly shorter, and with terminal bristles. Legs asin the female ;
fore ungues unequal, the larger uniserrated, the smaller simple; mid
ungues unequal, both simple; hind legs very small, equal, and simple,
much curved. Wings with brown scales; the first submarginal cell
longer and narrower than the second posterior cell, the base nearly
level with that of the second posterior ; stem of the first submarginal
about one-third of the length of the cell; stem of the second posterior
cell about two-thirds of the length of the cell; posterior cross-vein con-
siderably longer than the mid, and more than twice its length distant
from it. Length, 5°5 mm.
Hab. South Queensland.
Time of capture. January.
Observations.—Described from a series of dried and spirit
specimens collected and bred by Dr. Bancroft. It is a very
marked species, one striking characteristic being the black
curved line behind the white-scaled prothoracic lobes. The
white lateral apical spots are also characteristic. Dr. Bancroft
kept this species alive for a month in confinement, and during
that time they bit on three occasions.
158 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
ON THE PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA AND TENTHREDI-
NIDA COLLECTED BY MR. EDWARD WHYMPER
ON THE “GREAT ANDES OF THE EQUATOR.”
By P. Cameron.
(Concluded from p. 123.)
PIMPLINA.
DELEB@A, gen. nov.
Fore wings without an areolet; the transverse basal nervure
roundly curved; the transverse median nervure received beyond it.
Stigma large. Antenne long and filiform. Median segment with
only one transverse keel, placed on top of apical slope. Abdomen
smooth; the petiole broad at the base, becoming gradually wider
towards the apex; the ovipositor as long as the abdomen. Clypeus
clearly separated behind; its apex broadly rounded. Mandibles stout,
bidentate. Temples moderately broad; the malar space moderately
large. Legs slender; the claws not combed. Parapsidal furrows
indicated at the base.
The eyes are bare and larger than usual; the occiput is not
margined ; the scutellum is not much raised above the level of the
mesonotum; the median segment is widely obliquely depressed at the
base ; its spiracles minute, oval; the abdominal petiole is aciculated ;
the other segments are smooth and shining, and without any de-
pressions ; the hypopygium is moderately large.
Belongs to the Lissonotini. It can only be confounded with
Lampronota and Asphragis ; the former may be known from it
by having two longitudinal keels on the median segment; the
latter by its pectinated claws.
\/ DELEBEA ALBOMACULATA, Sp. NOV.
Black; the abdomen from the petiole rufous, the segments at
their apices narrowly lined with yellow; the edge of the pronotum, a
line on the lower edge of the propleure on the apical half, a broader
line on the apical two-thirds of the mesopleure on the lower side and
the tegule, clear white; legs dark testaceous; the coxe and trochanters
clear white; the hinder cox broadly marked with black beneath ;
the wings hyaline, the stigma dark testaceous, the nervures black. ¢?.
Length, 6-7 mm.; terebra, 4 mm.
Hab. Corazon, 12,000 ft., A-—t<
Antenne black, thickly covered with a microscopic pile; there is
a white mark on the apex of the scape below. Head black, and
covered with a white pile; the inner eye orbits narrowly, the malar
space broadly, the mandibles, except the teeth, the clypeus, except for
an oblique black mark on the sides, a line on the sides of the lower
part of the face, projecting on the inner side downwards and more
narrowly upwards, and the palpi white. Pro- and mesothorax smooth
and shining; the mesopleure minutely punctured. Metanotum opaque,
shagreened, the middle closely and finely transversely striated; the
apex below the transverse keel is finely, irregularly longitudinally
aes
PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA AND TENTHREDINIDA. 159
striated. The anterior femora are, for the most part, white below;
the middle pair are darker coloured than they; the posterior tibic
and tarsi are dark fuscous. The petiole is black, closely, minutely
punctured, as are also the second to fourth segments; the second has
a black mark on either side at the base, and two in the centre behind
the middle ; the ventral surface is white.
ea FUSCIPES, Sp. Nov.
Black, a line on the pronotum, a narrower line on the lower edge
of the propleure, the inner orbits, the sides of the face broadly, the
mandibles except the teeth, and the palpi, white; the five apical
segments of the abdomen brown, their apices narrowly yellow; the
ventral surface for the greater part black; wings hyaline, the stigma
and nervures dark fuscous. ?. Length, 6 mm.; terebra, 4-5 mm.
Hab. Corredor, Machai, Sara-urcu, 12,700 ft., 4-~-
Scape of antennz white beneath. The front, vertex, and meso-
notum are closely, finely, and distinctly punctured; the median
segment is more strongly punctured; on the metanotum the punctures
run into striations ; the pro- and mesopleure are not quite so strongly
punctured as it. The white lines on the pronotum project backwards
on the inner side; the basal two segments of the abdomen are closely
and minutely punctured; the ventral surface is for the greater part
white.
CNEMOPIMPLA, gen. nov.
Antenne stout, thickened towards the apex; the last joint of the
antenne large, if anything longer than the preceding two joints
united; the flagellum thickly covered with short pubescence. Face
full; its apex obliquely depressed; the clypeus convex, distinctly
separated from it; it is rounded behind ; obliquely narrowed towards
the apex; the middle of the apex is obliquely depressed and clearly
separated. Areolet large, wide; the transverse cubital nervures being
widely separated above; the transverse basal nervure is interstitial ;
the transverse median nervure in the hind wings is broken almost in
the middle. Median segment short, smooth, not areolated. The
basal five segments of the abdomen are distinctly punctured, and have
wide and moderately deep transverse depressions. Legs short and
stout; the fore tarsi are not much longer than the tibie; the last
joint of the tarsi fully two times the length of the preceding.
The fore femora are shorter and thicker than the others; the eyes
converge above, and are sinuate on the inner side; the temples are
moderately large; the malar space is also moderately large. The form
of the mandibles Iam unable satisfactorily to describe; they become
gradually narrowed to the apex, which is curved inwardly, and ends,
apparently, in two short teeth. The abdominal segments are wider
than long ; the ovipositor is long, but shorter than the body.
The characteristics of this genus are the stout antenne with
their elongated apical joint; the wide areolet and the convex
clypeus separated from the face by a deep furrow.
160 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
\/CNEMOPIMPLA PILOSA, Sp. nov.
Black; the fore femora and tibie bright red; the head thickly
covered with longish, the thorax with shorter, fuscous pubescence ;.
wings clear hyaline, the stigma and nervures deep black. ?. Length,
8; terebra, 5 mm.
Hab. Machachi, 9-10,000 ft. A-«C@<
Front and vertex shining, smooth; there is a deep curved furrow
in front of the anterior ocellus; they are covered with long black
hair. The face is more thickly covered with longer black hair, and is
punctured. The mandibles are shagreened and sparsely punctured at
the base. Palpi black and thickly covered with white hair. Meso-
notum shining and thickly covered with blackish hair. The scutellum
is more sparsely haired, smooth, and shining, as is also the post-
scutellum, which has its basal depression bordered by a keel at the
sides, and there are two indistinct ones in the middle. The basal five
segments of the abdomen are closely and strongly punctured; the
ventral four basal segments are for the greater part white; the apical
four segments are narrowly edged with white.
PAanIscInI.
VV PARABATES WHYMPERI, Sp. NOV.
Dark luteous, the eye orbits yellow ; the palpi pale testaceous; the
apex of the mandibles black; the wings clear hyaline and highly
iridescent ; the stigma pale testaceous, the nervures darker. @.
Hab. Tortosillas, Chimborazo, 18,300 ft.,-4u-(¢4.
Face closely punctured, less closely in the middle on the apical
half, the apex in the middle impunctate; the clypeus is more sparsely
punctured ; its apex impunctate. Ocellar region blackish; the front
over each antenna fuscous, and with some obscure curved keels. Face
and clypeus thickly covered with pale hair ; on the clypeus the hair is
much longer. Mesonotum closely punctured. Scutellum closely and
distinctly punctured, its sides distinctly keeled; the apex less distinctly
keeled in the middle. The post-scutellar region thickly covered with
longish pale woolly hair. Median segment closely transversely punc-
tured. Pleurz closely and uniformly punctured. Legs coloured like the
body; the tibiz and tarsi thickly covered with white pubescence.
CHRYSIDIDA.
\/ EvaMPus ANDINUS, sp. Nov.
Green, largely marked with purple; the flagellum of the antenne
black ; the wings hyaline, their nervures fuscous. ?. Length, 4 mm.
Hab. Machachi, 9-10,000 ft., “*
Scape of antenne purple, the flagellum black, almost bare. Head
purple, the vertex behind with rosy tints, in front blue and green, this
being also the case with the front, which has a broad shallow furrow
in the middle. The vertex, except behind the ocelli, and the front
are strongly and closely punctured; the hinder part of the vertex and
the outer orbits are sparsely and finely punctured. The pro- and
PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA AND TENTHREDINID®. 161
mesonotum are smooth and shining, and are sparsely punctured; the
mesonotum has a few large punctures on the lateral lobes. Scutellum
with four rows of large round punctures on the sides, the apex bearing
similar punctures; the centre is smooth, the smooth part becoming
narrowed towards the apex. Median segment raised in the centre,
where it is closely irregularly reticulated; this part is bounded laterally
by a large basal and a smaller middle area, broader than long, and by
a larger apical one with a round fovea in the centre. Propleure
strongly and deeply punctured ; the mesopleure coarsely reticulated,
the reticulations being in oblique rows. Legs for the greater part
blue, the tarsi blackish; the tibiz and tarsi covered with a pale down.
Abdomen minutely and closely punctured ; the apical incision is larger
than usual; broader, more rounded, at the base; in length it is
almost as long as its width at the apex.
TENTHREDINIDA.
SELANDRIA ANDEANA, Sp. NOv.
Black ; the greater part of the prothorax, the four basal segments
of the abdomen, the apex of the femora narrowly, and the base of the
tibiz more broadly, pale luteous; the wings hyaline, with a distinct
fuscous tinge, the nervures and stigma black. ?@. Length, 8-9 mm.
Hab. Machachi, 9-10,000 ft., @&.. o> <
Antenne black, thickly covered with short stiff black pubescence ;
distinctly tapering towards the apex, the joints clearly separated.
Head entirely black, shining, thickly covered with short stiff black
pubescence. Frontal area large, bounded laterally by broad keels
its lower half deeper, its sides and apex rounded, and there is a
roundish flat tubercle in the centre. Clypeus obscurely, finely, and
closely punctured ; its apex broadly, but not deeply, incised. In the
centre of the vertex is a narrow longitudinal keel; at its sides is a
large deep fovea. Thorax smooth and shining; the middle lobe of
the mesonotum is clearly separated, and its middle is deeply keeled.
Scutellum flat; its base is obliquely narrowed—somewhat /\-shaped
and deeply separated ; its apex is narrowly obscure luteous. Cenchri
large, dull white. Legs thickly covered with a stiff pile ; the calcaria
are short; the patelle large; the claws have a large almost straight
spine near the middle. The second cubital cellule is slightly, but
distinctly, longer than the third ; near the base of the cubital nervure
on the lower side is a short oblique projection ; the accessory nervure
in the hind wing is interstitial.
The male is similarly coloured ; the antenne are not much longer
and hardly thinner than they are in the female.
This species was referred, in Mr. Whymper’s ‘ Travels in the
Great Andes,’ p. 356, to Strongylogaster, but it agrees much
better with Selandria.
162 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
A LIST OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF ROXBURGHSHIRE.
By W. Renron.
Concluded from p. 135.
Noctua depuncta.—More or less common at sugar in August. Widely
distributed.
N. augur, N. plecta, N. c-nigrum, N. triangulum, N. brunnea, are all
common.
N. festiva and var. conflua.—Common in the larval and perfect
stages, on heath.
N. dahlit.—Collected a few on Adderstone-lea Moss, August, 1900.
N. rubi, N. umbrosa, N. baia, are also very common.
N. neglecta—Common on Rubers-law in August. The larva in
May and June on heath.
N. xanthographa.—Common and variable everywhere.
Triphena ianthina, T. fimbria, T. comes, T. pronuba, are common in
imago and larval stages throughout the county.
Amphipyra tragopogonis.—Common everywhere.
Mania typica, M. maura.—Both very common species at sugar, &e.
Panolis piniperda.—Well distributed at sallows in April; the larva
on Scotch fir in August.
Pachnobia rubricosa.—Common at sallows.
Taniocampa gothica, T. incerta, T’. opima, T. stabilis—Common at
sallow catkins in April.
T. pulverulenta (cruda).—Only one or two each year.
Orthosia upsilon.—One at sugar near Hawick, July, 1901.
O. lota.—Well distributed in August.
O. macilenta.—Common everywhere in September.
Anchocelis litura.—Also a common species.
Cerastis vaccinit and Scopelosoma satellitia likewise common.
Xanthia citrago, X. fulvago, X. flavago, X. circellaris. All more or
less common.
Cirrhedia xerampelina. — Some seasons very common on ash-
trunks from July to end of September.
Tethea subtusa.—Of very rare occurrence near Kelso.
Calymnia trapezina.—Common throughout the district.
Dianthecia conspersa.—Generally scarce ; in a few places, however,
as at Hawick on the banks of the Teviot, it is common.
D. capsincola, D. cucubali, are of very common occurrence in general.
D. carpophaga.—One netted as it was flying over white campion,
July, 1902, near Hawick.
Hecatera serena and Polia chi, with variety, all common throughout
the county.
Dasypolia templi.—Generally rare. I have bred the species on cow-
parsley, from ova obtained from females in May.
Aporophyla lutulenta. — A few at sugar annually in September ;
Kelso and Hawick.
A. nigra. — More common than the preceding species, and widely
distributed.
LEPIDOPTERA OF ROXBURGHSHIRE. 163
Cleoceris viminalis. —Larva common on sallows. Imago in Sep-
tember throughout.
Miselia oxyacanthe, Agriopis aprilina, Euplexia lucipara, and Phlo-
gophora meticulosa, all more or less common.
Aplecta herbida.—Common at sugar, 1898.
A. occulta.—A few at sugar, July and August, Cavers Woods and
Minto Woods.
Hadena adusta, H. protea, H. glauca, H. dentina, H. oleracea, H. pisi,
H, thalassina. All common throughout.
H, rectilinea.—A few at raspberry blossom annually, near Hawick.
Calocampa vetusta.—Rare at sugar.
C. exoleta. —Common at sugar, October, and sallow catkins, April.
Cucullia umbratica.—Generally common on palings, and flying over
campions.
Gonoptera libatrix.—Local, on sallows.
Habrostola tripartita.—Common on nettle.
Plusia chrysitis, common. P. bractea, a few annually ; this species
is well distributed. P. festwca, common on Newfield Moss and Mal-
colm’s Moss, July. PP. iota, common everywhere. P. pulchrina, more
local, but common where it occurs; the larva on stinging-nettle
(Urtica wrens) in May. P. gamma, abundant. P. interrogationis,
common in the larval stage on heaths, Ruberslaw, Muirfield, Bellion
Moor, &c., in May ; imago in June and July.
Anarta myrtilli.—Common on moors from May to end of July.
Chariclea umbra (marginata).—A local species; near Hawick.
Phytometra viridaria.—Local on moors.
Euclidia mi and EF. glyphica.—More or less common throughout the
county.
Jatocala fraxini. — I had a specimen brought to me alive. It was
taken in the vicinity of Hawick on Aug. 11th, 1898, by John Turn-
bull, a mill-worker, Weensland, Hawick.
Hypena proboscidalis—Common everywhere, and Hypenodes costa-
strigalis, a few annually. These are the only two Deltoides that I
have taken so far.
Eipione vespertaria.—Occurs in one locality only—Adderstone-lea
Moss, where it is fairly common in good seasons in August.
E. apiciariaa—Common near Hawick in August and September ;
larva on willows in June.
Rumia crategata.—Abundant everywhere.
Metrocampa margaritaria.—Common in elm woods.
EHllopia prosaptarta (fasctarta).—Local in fir woods in July.
Eurymene dolobraria.—Local and rare in Wells Woods and Cavers
Woods in June.
Selenia illunaria.—Common; one brood only. S. lunaria more
rare and local throughout the county.
Odontopera bidentata and Crocallis elinguaria.—Common everywhere.
Ennomos tiliaria.—Very local in Hagburn and Minto Woods in
September.
Himera pennaria.—Another local species; in Duke’s Woods and
Minto Woods in October.
Phigalia pilosarta. — Common on tree-trunks in February and
March; larva found on almost any kind of tree.
164 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Amphidasys betularia.—Common on birch, sallows, &c.
Cleora glabraria and C. lichenaria.—Generally common, in larva
and imago, wherever lichen grows.
Boarmia repandata and B. gemmaria.—Generally common.
Geometra papilionaria.—Of very rare occurrence.
Ephyra pendularia.—From one locality only, Wells Woods, in June.
Venusia cambrica.—Local, but common where it occurs; on moun-
tain ash.
Acidalia bisetata.—Another local species, near Hawick and Jedburgh.
A. remutaria.—Only locality known to me is Minto Woods.
A. aversata.—Common everywhere.
Cabera pusaria.—Common ; C. rotundaria, very rare in Adderstone-
lea Moss in August; C. ewanthemata, also common.
Macaria liturata.—Loeal in fir woods.
Halia wavaria—Common in gardens; larva on black and red
currant bushes in May.
Strenia clathrata.—Generally scarce, but numerous in a few places.
Scodiona belgiaria.—Local in general, on moors; larva on heath,
May.
Ematurga atomaria.—Common on all moors.
Bupalus piniaria.—Generally common in fir woods.
Aspilates strigillaria.—Only in one locality, Bellion Moor.
Abraxas (Zerene) grossulariata.—Local in gardens.
A. (Z.) sylvata.—In Denholm-dene and Minto Woods only.
Lomaspilis marginata.—Common in the Kelso district.
Hybernia rupicapraria.—Abundant everywhere.
H. leucophearia.—More local in general.
H. aurantiaria.—Very rare and local.
H. marginaria.—Common everywhere.
H. defoliaria.—Same as the preceding species.
Anisopteryx ascularia.—Another common species.
Cheimatobia brumata.—Common.
C. boreata.—More local; in birch woods.
Oporabia dilutata.—Numerous.
O. filigrammaria.—Common in birch woods.
Larentia didymata.—Common.
L. multistrigaria.—Numerous.
L. cesiata.—Local on moors.
L. salicata.— Well distributed ; in May and August.
L. olivata.—Very local; in Cavers Woods only.
L. viridaria.—Abundant everywhere.
[Emmelesia and Eupithecia, ante, pp. 60, 61).
Lobophora lobulata.—Local and rare.
Thera juniperata.—From one locality only, on junipers, Bellion
Moor.
T. simulata.—Local in Wells Woods.
T. variata.—Common in all fir woods.
T. firmata.—More rare than the last named.
Hypsipetes impluviata.—Some seasons fairly common on alder and
sallows.
H, elutata.—Common everywhere.
LEPIDOPTERA OF ROXBURGHSHIRE. 165
Melanthia rubiginata.—Local ; on Teviot Rule Water in August.
M. ocellata.—Very common.
M. albiciliataa—Only in one locality—Duke’s Woods, near Hawick,
June and July. :
Melanippe tristata.—Common on all moor lands in July.
M. rivata.—Very local, on Tofts Moor.
M. sociata.—Generally common.
M. montanata.—Abundant.
M. fluctuata.—Also abundant.
Anticlea badiata.—Larva local, on dog-rose in June. Imago in April
and May.
A. derivata.—Also a local species throughout the county.
Coremia munitata.—Loeal, but common where it occurs.
C. propugnata.—Common in Hagburn, and Muirfield Glen, June
and July.
C. ferrugata.—More or less common.
C. unidentaria.—More rare than the last.
Camptogramma bilineata.—Very numerous.
Phibalapteryx lapidata.—Very local, on Kirton Moor and Shankend
Station, from Sept. 10th to 20th.
P. lignata.—Local, on Newfield Moss and Adderstone-lea Moss, in
July.
Triphosa dubitata.—Local in Heronhill Wood, May, and again in
September.
Cidaria siterata (psittacata).—Some seasons generally common.
C. miata.—Common annually throughout the county.
C. corylata. — Local in birch wood.
C. russata and C. immanata.—Common.
C. suffumata and var. piceata.—Generally abundant in April.
C. stlaceata.—Very local, in Cavers Wood andM into Woods, in May.
C. prunata (ribesiaria).—Local in gardens.
C. testata.—Abundant on moors in August.
C. populata.—Rare on Muirfield, July.
C. fulvata.—Common among dog-rose.
C. dotata (pyraliata).—Also a very common species.
C. associata (dotata)—Common in gardens.
Eubolta limitata (mensuraria). — Generally abundant; found the
larva on rest-harrow in June.
FE. plumbaria.—Common among furze in July; larva found on
furze in August and September.
Carsia paludata.—From one locality only, on Penchrist Pen, in
July.
Anaitis plagiata.—From all the localities that I have collected in.
Chesias spartiata.—Local among broom.
Tanagra atrataa—Common everywhere.
Deanbrae, Hawick.
166 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
ON BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED BY MAJOR KH. M.
WOODWARD IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA.
By Eminry Mary Swarr.
(Continued from p. 126.)
62. P. cuama (Hewits.).—a. Mtoto-N’di, Ukambani; August
4, 1897.
63. P. ceryne (Boisd.).—a. Campi Daraja, Nandi; March
12, 1898.
64. CATACHROPTERA CLOANTHA (Cram.).—a, b. Samia Hills,
Kavirondo; March 7, 1898. c. Campi Daraja, Nandi; March
TASS.
65. CRENIS OCCIDENTALIUM, Mab.—a. Campi Rao, Nandi;
February 14, 1898. b. Mondo, Chagwe; February 28, 1898.
66. C. NATALENSIS, Boisd.—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14,
1898. b. Mondo, Chagwe; February 28, 1898.
67. Cyrestis camitLus (Fabr.).—a, b. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 13-14, 1898.
68. PaNopea LUCRETIA (Cram.).—a. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 14, 1898.
69. Sauamis TemorA, I’eld.—a, b, ¢ 2. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 14, 1898. c¢, g. Nandi; March 16, 1898. —
70. Nepris 1nconacrua, Butl.—a, b. Eldoma Ravine, Mau;
March 20, 1898.
- 71. N. woopwarp1, EH. M. Sharpe; Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist.
(7) iii. p. 248 (1899).—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 13, 1898.
b. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
72. N. acarna (Cram.).—a,c. Mbabani, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
73. N. mereuua, Doubl. & Hewits.—a. Campi Pashto, Nandi;
March 15, 1898.
74. N. marpessa, Hopff.—a,b. Mbabani, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
75. EHuRYTELA DRYOPE (Cram.).
76. HURYTELA OPHIONE (Cram.).—a. Uganda; February
27, 1898.
77. Bypuia miruyia (Drury).—a, b. Mtigwa, Usoga; March
5, 1898. c. Wakolis, Usoga; October 15, 1897.
78. ErGonis ENOTREA (Cram.).—a. Lugumbwas, Chagwe ;
March 1, 1898. 6. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14,1898. c. Nan-
di; March 16, 1898.
79. Hyponimnas misippus (Linn.).—a, b, g¢. Lugumbwas,
Chagwe; March 1, 1898.
80. H. anrHEpon (Doubl.).—a. Kibwezi, Ukambani; August
11, 1897.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA. 167
81. HamaNumipa D&pAuus (Fabr.).—a. Samia Hills, Kavi-
rondo; March 7, 1898. b. Muani, Ukambani; April, 1898.
82. HuRYPHENE coca.ta (fabr.).—a. Mondo, Chagwe; Febru-
ary 28, 1898.
83. HK. sopnus (Fabr.).—a, b, 2. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14,1898. c, ¢. Campi Pashto, Nandi; March 15, 1898.
84. HupHmpra inanum (Butl.).—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
85. Harma turipa (Butl.).—a, ¢. Campi Pashto, Nandi;
March 15, 1898.
86. H. nEesropus (Hewits.).—a. Campi Pashto, Nandi; March
18, 1898.
87. CHARAXES CANDIOPE (Godt.).—a. Mbabani, Usoga; April
4, 1898.
88. C. ETESIPE (Godt.).—a. Wakolis, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
89. C. BRuTUs (Cram.).—a, b. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
90. C. numEeNES (Hewits.).—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
91. C. xrrxu, Buil.
92. C. rosm, Butl._—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
93. C. VARANES (Cram.).
Family Lemonrp”.
94. LinyrHea LABpaca, Westw.—a, b. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 18, 14, 1898.
95. ABISARA GERONTES (F'abr.).—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
Family Lycmnipm.
96. VANESSULA MILCA (Hewits.).—a-c, 6 2. Nandi; March
16, 1898.
97. LACHNOCNEMA D’URBANI, T'rim.—a. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 14, 1898. b. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 23, 1898.
98. AXIOCERSES HARPAX (J’abr.).—a, 2. Muani, Ukambani.
99. A. pERION (Cram.).—a. Campi Darajani, Nandi; March
18, 1898.
100. CurysopHanus asporti, Holland.—a. Campi Donalezo,
Nandi; March 17, 1898.
101. Tarvcus puintus (Fabr.).—a, 3. Misongoleni, Ukam-
bani; August 5,1897. 6b, ?. Campi Simba, Ukambani; August
15, 1897. c, d. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April 20, 1898.
102. T. tovism, H. M. Sharpe.—a. Misongoleni, Ukambani ;
August 5, 1897.
168 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
103. NroLtycana cissus (Godt.).—a, b, 2. Campi Rao, Nandi
March 138, 14, 1898.
104. N. sopates (Hopff.).—a, ?. Muani, Ukambani; March
18, 1897.
105. CarocuRysops BARKERI (T'rim.).—a, b, 2. Campi Rao,
Nandi.
106. C. asopus (Hopff.).—a, b, 2. Samia Hills, Kavirondo;
March 7, 1898.
107. C. ostris (Hopff.).—a, 3. Misongoleni, Ukambani ;
August 5, 1897.
108. Ponyommatvs Ba@ticus (Linn.).—a, b, ¢. Upper Kedong,
Kikuyu; September 4, 1897. c, ¢. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
109. Lycmna jesous (Guér.).—a, 3. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani ;
August 4, 1897.
110. L. zena, Moore.—a, b, 3. Tsavo River, Ukambani;
August 24, 1897.
111. Zrzera Knysna (Trim.).—a, b. Athi River, Ukambani;
August 24, 1897.
112. Z. carxa (Trim.).
113. CacyrEUs LINGEUS (Cram.).—a, 3. Upper Kedong, Ki-
kuyu; September 4, 1897. 0b, 2. Campi Mauwi, Ukambani;
August 16, 1897. c, ¢. Kampala, Uganda; February 27, 1898.
114. Castanius maraaritaceus, EH. M. Sharpe.—a, b, 3 2.
Campi Rao, Nandi; March 13, 1898. c. Campi Pashto, Nandi;
March 15, 1898. d,e, 3. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
115. Lyc@NESTHES KERSTENI, Gerst.—a, 2. Nandi; March
16, 1898.
116. L. amaraH (Guér.).—a, b, 3 ° . Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani
August 4, 1897. c, ?. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
117. L. uarypas (Cram.).—a, ?. Lubwa’s Hill, Usoga; Janu-
ary 3, 1898. b,c, ¢. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
118. L. nocutras, Hewits.
119. UrnGNorHAUMA FALKENSTEINII (Dewitz.).—a. Upper Ke-
dong, Kikuyu; September 4,1897. b,c. Nandi; March 16, 1897.
120. SruceTA MARMOREUS (Butl.).—a, 2. Mtigwa, Usoga;
March 5, 1898.
121. Viracnoia antaLus (Hopff.).—a, 2. Kampala, Uganda;
February 27, 1898.
122. Hyponycmna aNntiFauNUS (Doubl. & Hewits.).—a. Wa-
kolis, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
123. H. ? mera, Hewits.—a. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
(To be continued.) ~
169
DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW SPECIES AND A NEW
GENUS OF CHRYSOMELIDA FROM SOUTH AMERICA.
By Martin Jacopy.
MasTosteTHus FLAVOVITTATUS, Sp. n.
Reddish-fulvous ; the margins of the thorax and two curved
markings on the disc, flavous; elytra closely and strongly punctured
and subrugose, fulvous, a narrow oblique stripe from the base to the
margin and another angulate stripe below the middle, flavous. Length
11 mill.
Hab. Marcapata, Peru.
Broad and subdepressed, entirely reddish-fulvous; the head closely
punctured near the eyes with a longitudinal central groove; eyes
deeply notched; antenne pale fulvous, extending to the base of the
elytra; the lower four joints shining, the rest opaque, pubescent;
thorax obliquely narrowed anteriorly, the sides straight, the surface
extremely finely punctured, fulvous, the margins and two semicircular
marks at the middle flavous; elytra strongly and closely punctured
with traces of longitudinal raised lines, each elytron with a very
narrow flavous stripe, which extends from the scutellum to the middle
of the lateral margin, another stripe below the middle is of less oblique
direction and extends from the margin to the suture, upwards of which
it is angularly continued for a short distance; under side and legs
fulvous; the metasternum compressed and strongly raised.
This handsome species is quite unlike any of its allies in
colouration and pattern. I have seen two similar specimens,
one of which I received from Herr Bang-Haas.
MaAsTostETHUS PERUENSIS, Sp. Nn.
Rufous; the antennae, tibie, and tarsi black; thorax with four
black spots; elytra closely punctured, black; a broad curved band
below the middle, flavous. Length 11 mill.
Hab. Marcapata, Peru.
Head finely and closely punctured, with a small black central spot,
the ground colour rufous; antenne black; thorax very finely punc-
tured, of usual shape, rufous, with four small -black spots, placed
transversely, the outer ones near the posterior angles, the others at
the middle; scutellum rufous; elytra with a shallow depression near
the suture, very closely punctured, black, with a broad transverse
curved flavous band below the middle; tibiz and tarsi black.
Of almost exactly similar colouration as M. Batesi, Baly, but
of broader shape, with a feeble sutural elytral depression, the
elytral band much broader, of equal width and concave, the head
with only a single small black spot.
ENTOM.—JUNE, 1908. )
170 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
MurGALOPUS CARULEUS, Sp. 0.
Oblong and broadly subquadrate, black below, above metallic blue,
finely pubescent; head and thorax extremely closely punctured ; elytra
with basal depression, more strongly punctured than the thorax.
Length 8 mill.
Hab. Bartica, Br. Guiana.
Head very closely and finely punctured near the eyes, the central
portion smooth, in shape of a narrow space, metallic blue ; labrum and
palpi black; antenne black, the lower four joints shining, the rest
opaque; thorax transverse, the posterior angles strongly produced out-
wards; the disc with a deep transverse groove near the anterior
margin, and another less deep one near the base, metallic blue, very
closely and finely punctured and sparingly clothed with extremely
short pubescence; scutellum broad and transverse, distinctly punctured ;
elytra subquadrate, with a shallow transverse depression near the
middle, strongly and very closely punctured, the punctures finer
towards the apex, each puncture provided with a single whitish hair ;
under side and legs black ; a spot at the flanks of the thorax near the
posterior angles and the sides of the posterior femora below, flavous,
the latter strongly incrassate, their tibie slightly curved.
This is the only metallic species of the genus with which
I am acquainted, and of which I possess a single apparently
female specimen.
(To be continued.)
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. |
Furruer Nore on Liesyra srassonis.—Mr. Dodd writes (April 6th,
1903) :—“The larva as to which you now hazard a suggestion as to
its being ‘brassolis’ is, as I have more than once stated, that of a moth,
whose history I am partly or wholly familiar with. It comes out of a
ground ant’s nest.” The host ant being different, of course it cannot
be “érassolis.”’ I appear to have overlooked or forgotten that the “green
ant’’ and the ‘‘ ground ant” were not the same. I cannot, however,
quite make the above statement, that he is familiar with its history,
agree with that quoted (ante, p. 90), that he knows “nothing of the
round segmented one, except that it is in the ants’ nest and sucks
their larvee.”’ I hope the errors and misunderstandings into which we
have fallen will be ascribed to the difficulty of collating facts with the
Antipodes, rather than to an excess of original sin,—T. A. CHapMan;
Betula, Reigate: May 19th, 1903.
Artacxs or Parasites on Vanrssa Pupm.—The note by Mr. Bird
(ante p. 185) on this subject leads me to send you the following record.
On April 8th last, I was at Pegomas (near Cannes); and noticing larve
of Vanessa urtice, examined a neighbouring wall with a view to seeing
how far the broods were advanced at that date. I found larve
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS, 171
crawling up to spin, others hung up for change, and some already
fully pupated. Amongst others I noticed a pupa very recently changed,
whose integument was quite soft, and which had not quite assumed
the true pupal outlines. On this one I noticed a chalcid, with the
ovipositor piercing the pupa, in the intersegmental incision between the
abdominal segments six and seven. It seemed firmly fixed there, by
this insertion of its ovipositor, whilst I examined it. Thinking to
secure it with the pupa, however, it released itself and escaped, whilst
I was loosening the pupa. On opening the pupa a day or two ago, it
contained nothing but a mass of chalcid larvee.—-'T. A. CHapman ;
Betula, Reigate: May 14th, 1903.
Ox tae Urticatinc Properties or certain Morn Cocoons.—Mr. W.
A. Carter’s interesting remarks on the above subject (ante, p. 68) remind
me that I have frequently experienced a similar inconvenience after
handling the cocoons of certain Ceylonese moths. I would mention
in particular those of Parasa lepida, Cram. (Limacodide), Lelia suffusa,
Wilk. (Lymantride), and Dasychira secura, Htbn. (Lymantride).
In all of these cases the symptoms have been very similar (most
severe in that of P. lepida), consisting of an intense burning
irritation and itching, greatly aggravated and extended by rubbing,
but not followed by any marked pustulation. My experience leads me
to believe that these symptoms are quite independent of any mechanical
irritation directly due to the hairs of the larva, but are the effect of
some irritant secretion present in the texture of the cocoon, possibly
in the form of a fine powder. The irritation, with me, has not been
the result of direct contact of the cocoon with the delicate skin of the
arm, face or neck, but has been communicated to those parts by the
fingers that have actually touched the cocoons. Moreover, after
repeated examination of the affected parts with a high-power lens,
I have invariably failed to detect the presence of any hairs or other.
visible particles. The thick skin of the finger-tips is proof against
the irritant. The larva of P. lepida, the cocoon of which is associated
with the most powerful urticant, is not, strictly speaking, a hairy
caterpillar, though it is armed with groups of stout urticating spines.
These spines are afterwards incorporated in a thin web partially
surrounding the hard compact cocoon, but they are comparatively few
in number, and are quite conspicuous owing to their size and black
colour. If the irritation were due to them, their presence in the skin
would be readily detected. With Lelia and Dasychira the symptoms
were relieved by the application of common soap, but nothing seemed
to allay the irritation produced by the cocoons of the Parasa, and time
alone brought relief. Even then the unpleasantness would often
recur when the place had been accidentally rubbed. The exact nature
of this urticating property in the cocoons is an interesting problem
that apparently still awaits solution—E. Ernest Green; Govt.
Entomologist, Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, Ceylon: March, 1908.
[Packard (1898, ‘ Text-book of Entomology,’ pp. 189-98) writes :—
‘‘ Certain remarkable spines occur in limacodid larve, called caltrops
spines, from their resemblance to the caltrops formerly used in repelling
the attacks of cavalry. They are largely concerned in producing the
poisonous and irritating effects resulting from contact with the cater-
bby i THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
pillars of these moths, and are situated in scattered groups near the
end of the tubercles. . . . They are not firmly embedded in the cuticle,
but on the contrary appear to become very easily loosened and detached,
and they probably, when brought into contact with the skin of any
ageressor, burrow underneath, and are probably in part the cause of
the continual itching and annoyance occasioned by the creatures... .
The body of the spine is spherical, with one large, elongated, conical
spine arising from it, the spherical base being beset with a number of
minute, somewhat obtuse spinules.’’ Packard also describes the large
hollow bristles or spines in Lagoa, Orgyia, &c., ‘filled with a poisonous
secretion formed in a single large, or several smaller specialized
hypodermal cells situated under the base of the spine.’—G. W.
KirKALpy. |]
AustRALIAN LepipopTERA AND SuGcar.—It has been a never-failing
source of wonder to me why Lepidoptera in these climes persistently
refuse to be lured to their destruction by the intoxicating delights of
sugar. When first I started experimenting I attributed my non-
success to the mixture, but obtaining the same result time after time
from sugar prepared most carefully from the best recipes, I came to
the conclusion the moths were at fault and not the mixture. Not
only have I experimented on the outskirts of the city, but also away
back in the bush, in places where one would imagine moths would
tumble over one another in their haste to get there first; but all to no
purpose. Night after night I would go round in hopes that my luck
would at last change, but it was always the same tale. A friend in
New South Wales has informed me that his experiences exactly tally
with mine. He even weut to the trouble of importing some sugar
already made up. It was, however, no better: cockroaches, earwigs,
and such-like are the only insects one finds on one’s rounds.—F Rank
M. Lirtter ; Launceston, Tasmania: March 16th, 1903.
EipIpEMic AMONG CaTERPILLARS.—On several occasions when rearing
in breeding-cages a number of larvee of Lepidoptera (especially hairy
ones), I have found that after having successfully completed their last
moult they ceased to feed and went limp. Some would make an
attempt to spin, but after getting a little way would cease, shrivel up,
and die. Others would shrivel and die without attempting to spin.
In this way I have at various times lost several hundred larve. The
caterpillars always had plenty of suitable food, light, and air. Just
recently I had a hundred and seventy larve of a Darala hatch; these
I reared without a loss until just full-fed. One morning on going to
the cages I found many of the caterpillars limp and listless. I at once
removed them to fresh cages, hoping to stay the disease, but all to no
purpose, only forty spinning out of the lot. I have tried changing the
food, and all kinds of things, but without success. If any other
entomologists have had similar experiences, I should very much like to
know their opinion on the subject, to what they attribute the epidemic,
and how to combat it. It appears to me that what I have to do in
the future is not to keep more than, say, a dozen in each cage; then,
if one lot sickens, there is not the likelihood of an epidemic setting
in,——Frank M. Lirrner; Launceston, Tasmania: March 16th, 1908.
- CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 178
Nationa Cottecrion or British Lepmoprera.—In response to our
appeal for help in perfecting this collection, Mr. William M. Christy,
of Watergate, Hants, has been good enough to send to the Natural
History Museum at South Kensington a fine collection of moths from
Shetland, together with some local forms of other species. We hope
that further assistance may be given during the season. (For lists of
species wanted, please refer to p. 135.)
THk NAME Micropyea.—I do not see how an author can excuse
himself for proposing new generic names without taking the slightest
trouble to see whether they have been used before. If Mr. Jacoby
(cf. Kntom. p. 92) had consulted the ‘Nomenclator Zoologicus’ he
would have found Micropyga, Agassiz, 1879, which quite precludes
the use of the same name for his beetle-genus. ‘There are also extant
Micropyge, Hawle, and Micropygia, Bonaparte, though these are properly
regarded as different names.—T. D. A. CockERELu.
Birps atrackine LepipopTrra.— With reference to Mr. W. Parkinson
Curtis’s note (ante p. 68) re “ Kestrel destroying butterflies,” I should
like to record that, on July 18th, 1897, at Addington, Surrey, I had a
specimen of Argynnis adippe under my net, which, however, managed
to escape, but after chasing it some distance it settled on the ground,
and before I had time to again net it, a bird dashed at it, and soon
made short work of it. Unfortunately I did not note to what species
the bird belonged (it was certainly not so large as a thrush), as the
whole thing was over so quickly, and I was pretty well ‘‘done up” after
my run, and chagrined at the loss of the insect, as I had never before
seen the butterfly there, nor since. Again, I have a note in my diary,
on March 13th, 1899, of watching a sparrow chasing a specimen of
Vanessa urtice at Whitstable, which it captured. On June 14th, 1901,
I found a great many full-grown larve of V. polychloros wandering
about the road near Brockenhurst station, and while taking a number
I noticed that some thrushes were as busily engaged as I was, and one
flew quite close to me with two larve in its beak. I send the above
notes, as I heard it asserted the other day that birds do not attack
butterflies. —C. W. Corrurup.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
Spring Notes (1903) 1x Wizts anp Hants. — Early in January
Aybernia defoliartia was observed at Salisbury. The evening of Feb.
3rd being very mild, I went round the street-lamps, but only saw
males of Cheimatobia brumata. During this month Phigalia pilosaria,
Hybernia marginaria, and H, leucophearia were also about. Owing to the
mild weather vegetation was very forward, hawthorn bushes in shel-
tered positions being actually in leaf on Feb. 10th. March continued
mild, and many sallows were in full bloom the first week. Blackthorn
blossoms were seen on the 4th. Gonepteryx rhamni and Vanessa urtice
were both on the wing. Xylina rhizolitha, Xylocampa lithorhiza,
Hybernia rupicapraria, H. marginaria, Eupithecia abbreviata, and Diurnea
fagella were seen; whilst at sallows, which I had no opportunity of
174 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
properly working, Twniocampa stabilis, T. gothica, and Cerastis vaccinii
occurred. A few larve of Cleora lichenaria were obtained in a beech-
wood.
On March 138th I ‘biked”’ to Lyndhurst, and found Brephos par-
thenias fairly common, but did not succeed in taking any. Vanessa
urtice, Phigalia pilosaria, and Hybernia marginaria were the only other
Lepidoptera seen.
With April the spell of mild weather came to an end. I was
unable to do much collecting at Salisbury, but took a good male
Amphidausys prodromaria from a street-lamp on the 1st, and subse-
quently saw one or two more. Pieris rapw appeared on the 3rd; and
other insects noticed were T'eniocampa stabilis, T. gothica, Phlogophora
meticulosa (one at sallows), Hybernia marginaria, Anisopteryx escularia,
and Diurnea fagella. Larvee of Odonestis potatoria were found on the
18th, when a small Arctia caia was also seen. A larva of Lastocampa
(Bombyx) quercus was beaten from hawthorn. Oporabia dilutata larvee
were noticed, and Hupithecia sobrinata beaten from juniper bushes on the
hills near Dean. Larve-searching one evening, with an acetylene lamp,
showed up a few T’riphena fimbria, a very large number of 17’. comes (?)
feeding on bramble, blackthorn, and almost anything, and Uropteryx
sambucuria. On the 4th I walked about four miles out of Salisbury to
see a friend, and found larve of Sesia tivuliformis in the currant-bushes
in his garden. He showed me Plusia moneta which he captured in his
garden last year, and on searching Delphiniwn there we found two
small larve. Ihave since searched both monkshood and Delphinium
in the garden here, and been rewarded by seven larve found in the
heads of one plant of monkshood, and a few odd ones on: Delphinium.
IT also found four other larve on Delphinium, in a garden at Northwood,
Middlesex, on April 30th. Some of the larve spun up on May 13th,
but others were not half-grown at that time.
We have, up to the present, had such bad weather in May that I
have only ventured out once, which was on May 15th, to Wilton. Two
very fine Lithosia sororcula (aureola) were on this occasion beaten from
birch, whilst continuous searching of tree-trunks only produced one
Tephrosia crepuscularia, two T. punctulata, and one Panayra petraria.
Asthena candidata was beaten. Larve noticed were Cheimatobia boreata
(abundant on birch), C. brumata, Oporabia dilutata, Phigalia pilosaria,
and [ypsipetes elutata. Melanippe fluctuata is the only other moth
noticed so far this month.
HKaster was spent in the New Forest with my father. The weather
got colder and colder until the last day of my stay (April 13th), when
we actually had a snowstorm. Butterflies were not much in evidence,
Gonepteryx rhamni being by far the commonest, with occasional examples
of Vanessa polychlorus and V. urtice. Pararge egeria was taken April
10th, and another seen two days later. A few Sarrothripus undulanus
were taken. Is this moth double-brooded, or are the individuals seen
in the spring hybernated specimens? I should be glad to know this,
as I cannot make out from the only book I have at hand, though their
condition suggested hybernation. After much searching, about a dozen
Boarmia cinctaria were found in different parts of the forest, five of
them being captured between the snow showers. A fine Lobophora
viretata was netted as it flew off a holly-trunk. A short series of
RECENT LITERATURE. 175
Aleucis pictaria was obtained, flying round or settled on the blackthorn
bushes at night. A special point was made of working for this moth,
as we had not previously taken it. Blackthorn bloom was rather
better than the sallows, which were nearly all over, a nice series of
Pachnobia rubricosa being obtained from the former.
The following is a list of the remaining moths noticed ;—T'rachea
piniperda, Xylocampa lithorhiza, Xylina rhizolitha, Cerastis vaccinti,
Taniocampa stabilis, T. pulverulenta (cruda), T. gothica, T. miniosa, T.
munda, Brephos parthenias (two), Selenia illunaria, Tephrosia bistortata,
Anticlea badiata, A. nigrofasciaria, Kupithecia abbreviata, E. pumilata,
and Hybernia marginaria. With regard to the last named, the males
were in dozens one very cold evening (April 12th), flitting about in a
fir and oak plantation, and settled on trunks and twigs of both trees,
but more abundantly on the firs. Very few were noticed elsewhere.
Could this possibly be a case of ‘‘sembling’’? If we had tried we
could have taken about fifty in a quarter of an hour. A long search
for larve of Limenitis sibylla only revealed four very small ones.
Other larvz noticed were Psilwra monacha (one from fir), T@niocampa
quercus (from ling), Agrotis ayathina (ling), Triphena fimbria, T. comes,
and Noctua (? triangulum), the last three species by searching with the
lantern after dark—Miselia oxyacanthe, Catocala sponsa (one), Rumia
luteolata (crategata), Crocallis elinguaria, Metrocampa margaritaria,
Ellopia fasciaria (about four dozen), Cleora lichenaria, C. glabraria
(three), Thera variata, T. firmata, Abraxas grossulariata, and Cidaria
truncata (honeysuckle).
From the above it will be seen that, in spite of the weather, we
had a considerable amount of success.—F. M. B. Carr; The Choir
School, The Close, Salisbury: May 17th, 1903.
RECENT LITERATURE.
Proceedings of the South London Entomological and Natural History
Society, 1902. Pp. 126. Two Plates and a Chart. Hibernia
Chambers, London Bridge, 8.E. 1908.
AurHouGH it does not contain so many pages as some of those
previously published by this Society, the present volume cannot be
regarded as retrogressive. Among the papers, seven in number, are
two or three dealing with entomological matters. ‘‘A Life Cycle of
Acidalia marginepunctata, Goze (promutata, Gn.), and other Notes on
the Species,” by Mr. Robert Adkin, is exceedingly interesting and
instructive reading ; while the paper by Dr. Chapman on “ Inflation
in insects’ which deals with the mechanics connected with the emerg-
ence of the imago from the pupa, and the subsequent expansion of
the wings, should attract attention to a promising field of investigation.
The subject discussed by Mr. F. Noad Clark belongs to the Crustacea,
but his paper on dArgulus foliaceus is of considerable importance as a
contribution to the life-history of the ‘‘fish-louse,”’ and it is accompanied
by two excellent plates of structural details from photos taken by the
author.
176 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Transactions of the City of London Entomological and Natural History
Society for the year 1902. Pp. 72. The London Institution,
Finsbury Circus, E.C.
Turis publication contains, in addition to other interesting entomo-
logical matter, some important papers. One of these, by Mr. Alfred
Sich, is entitled ‘‘ Observations on the Early Stages of Phylloenistis
suffusella, Zell.’’ Another, by Mr. A. Bacot, is on the ‘‘ Importance of
certain Larval Characters as a guide in the Classification of the
Sphingids.” Mr. W. J. Kaye contributes an account of his travels
and collecting experiences in British Guiana.
A List of Lepidoptera found in the counties of Cheshire, Flintshire,
Denbighshire, Carnarvonshire, and Anglesea. Compiled and edited
by Grorcu O. Day, F.E.S., with the assistance of J. Arkle,
Herbert Dobie, M.D., and Robert Newstead, A.L.S8., F.E.S.
8vo. Pp. 120. Grosvenor Museum, Chester 1903. ~
Auruoucu based on the Walker list (1885), the nomenclature and
classification of the Staudinger and Rebel Catalogue have been adopted.
Over 680 species are enumerated, and of these only 123 belong to the
families included in the old division of ‘‘ Micro-Lepidoptera.’’ The list
bears evideuce of careful preparation, and will be of value to students
of distribution as well as to the local lepidopterist.
A Last of North American Lepidoptera, and Key to the Literature of this
Order of Insects. By Harrison G. Dyar, Ph. D. (assisted by
C. H. Fernald, Ph. D., the late Rev. G. D. Hulst, and August
Busck). Bulletin of the United States National Museum, No. 52.
8vo. Pp. 728. Government Printing Office, Washington. 1902.
Dr. Dyar and those who co-operated with him are to be congratulated
on the successful completion of this laborious work. The “ List” will
no doubt command in America the same position that the ‘‘ Catalog”
holds in Kurope. ‘The plan of arrangement will be gathered from the
following extract from the preface :—‘‘ Within the last ten years the
classification of the Lepidoptera has been radically altered. No exact
consensus of opinion as to the proper sequence of families and genera
has been reached, but the recent workers are so closely in accord as to
the principles involved and the resultant general scheme, that we seem
to be somewhere near a natural classification. In the present list I
have followed my own views, based largely on larval characters, in the
arrangement of the family and super-family groups. ‘The system does
not differ in general from that of Edward Meyrick, which has been
adopted by the British Museum in the Catalogue of the Lepidoptera
Phalenz, though the order of groups is somewhat different. I have
placed the butterflies first, since they seem on the whole ‘higher’ than
the moths, and this course agrees with the usual custom. I follow
with the Sphingide and Saturnians for the same reasons, although, in
variation, they are more generalized than some of the Noctuid groups.
The list, as a whole, proceeds from higher to lower forms, as in
Staudinger and Rebel’s Catalogue.” According to the present census,
6622 species of Lepidoptera are known to occur in America north of
Mexico ; about 240 of these are HKuropean, and, with few exceptions,
are found in Britain.
THE HNTOMOLOGIST
Vou. XXXVI; JULY. 19038. [No. 482.
NOTES ON THE BEE: GENUS APIS.
By T. D. A. CockERre.u.
AN examination of the mouth-parts of three species of Apis
shows great uniformity; the maxillary palpi are always two-
jointed, notwithstanding the statement of all authors examined
to the contrary. The species studied can be separated thus :—
1. Second joint of labial palpus about 420 long . indica, Fabr.%.
2. Second joint of labial palpus about 600 » long
iano nae
3. “Spoon” at end of tongue long and narrow, ‘about
150 ry long, 80 broad. . dorsata, Fabr.
‘‘Spoon ”’ at end of tongue circular, about ‘100 pe
long, 110 broad . : : : - . ligustica, Spin.
The difference in the ‘‘spoon” between the last two was
observed and pointed out to me by Miss Irma Bell, one of my
students. The second joint of labial palpus in dorsata may
measure as much as 650 p», but this giant” bee has the mouth
practically of the same size as the Ligurian bee. The second
joint of labial palpus in the male ligustica is comparatively short,
only about 450 u. Iam indebted to Mr. K. E. Green for material
of indica and dorsata; ligustica is the form of the honey-bee
common in New Mexico.
Apis is usually placed at the head of the bees, and regarded
as the extreme limit of bee-development. It is of course greatly
specialized in its mouth-parts, its habits, &c.; yet it retains
some very primitive characters. The venation of the wings is
very wasp-like. The peculiar submarginal cells suggest those of
Notogonia, Tachytes, or Laphyragogus. The long marginal cell
and the form of the eyes in the male recall the primitive bee
genus Protorea. The shape of the marginal cell, and the
venation approaching the apical margin of the wing, suggest the
wasp Monedula; and it is to be remarked that some genera of
ENTOM.—JULY, 1905. P
178 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Bembicini have only three-jointed maxillary palpi. I think it
is certain that Apis has no particular relationship with the
ordinary long-tongued bees, such as Anthophora, &c.; so far
as blood-relationship goes, it must be nearer to some of the
primitive bees.
P.S.—When I say that certain characters of Apis are primi-
tive, I mean that they are wasp-characters not ordinarily found
among bees. Regarding the matter from a broader standpoint,
the characters are not primitive; and no doubt a square wing-
cell is more primitive than a long or triangular one. The point
is that the bees are derived from the wasps, and it is not probable
that such wasp-characters as Apis shows would reappear after
being absent in a long series of bee ancestors.
East Las Vegas, New Mexico, U.S.A.: May 14, 1903.
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF AMMOPLANUS
(HYMENOPTERA) FROM SOUTH AFRICA.
By P. Cameron.
AMMOPLANUS MANDIBULARIS, Sp. NOV. .
Black, the mandibles and fore knees pale testaceous, the flagellum
of the antenne brownish beneath; the wings hyaline, the large stigma
black, pale at the base. 9. Length 2 mm.
Hab. Pearston, South Africa; Dr. Robert Broom, C.M.Z.S.
Smooth, shining, the median segment aciculated; the base of the
antenne brownish; the scape not quite reaching to the middle of the
head and not to the top of the eyes; the pedicle twice longer than
broad, the following joint is about equal in length to it. Propleure
with a wide furrow in the centre, which becomes narrowed towards
the apex; the metapleure obscurely striated; the strie are roundly
curved; there is a round shallow fovea on the mesopleure. Meta-
notum opaque, strongly aciculated, obscurely furrowed in the middle.
The lower abscissa of the radius is straight and oblique, not roundly
curved, as in 4. perrisiti. The metatarsus pale. The eyes on the
inner side below distinctly curve inwardly.
The genus Ammoplanus is of small extent, and hitherto has
only been recorded from the Palearctic and Nearctic Zoological
Regions.
179
MISCELLANEA RHYNCHOTALIA.—No. 7.
By G. W. Kirxavpy.
Fam. Trericoniup (including Mempracine).
Cyrtoisa, Fitch=Cyrtosia, Stal=Cyrtolobus, Goding.
This genus was spelt as above by Fitch, and is not preoccupied.
Fam. Funeoripm.
CATHEDRA, gen. nov.
Head subhorizontal, slightly upcurved at the apex, where it is
acutangular and simple (instead of being trilobate as in Phrictus,
Spinola); head also much longer than in the latter genus, and is
laterally multidentate, the teeth being acutely triangular; the vertex
is somewhat obtusely spinose below the eyes, sublaterally, while in
Phrictus it is provided with a strong, acute, upcurved spine on each
side. Pronotum much flatter than in Spinola’s genus, the posterior
margin truncate and not spinose. LHlytra more pointed apically, the
costa more arched, and the costal area broader.
Type, P. serrata (Fabricius), which, apart from the struc-
tural differences, has a very different colour-appearance from
Phrictus diadema (Linné), the only species of that genus, as
serrata is of Cathedra, known to me; the latter is figured by
Stoll, 1788, ‘‘ Cicaden,”’ pl. 29, figs. 170 and A. Stal includes it
in his genus Laternaria (=Fulgora, Linn., Kirk.), an obvious
lapsus. |
PERKINSIELLA, gen. nov.
Closely allied to Areopus, Spinola, but distinguished by
the first segment of the antenne being distinctly shorter than
the second; distinguished from Dicranotropis, Fieber, to which
it bears some resemblance, by the form of the frons, and by the
flattened apically dilated first segment of the antenne. ‘Type,
P. saccharicida, Kirkaldy.
Second segment of antennal peduncle about one-half longer than
the first ; flagellum about one-third longer than the entire peduncle,
first peduncular segment much wider at apex than basally, flattened
and explanate ; second segment nearly as wide at base as the apex of
the first segment [in Ar@opus it is much narrower, while the first seg-
ment is more parallel-sided]. Exterior longitudinal nervure of corium
forked near the base, and its exterior branch forked near its middle ;
interior longitudinal nervure forked near the apex. Membrane with
six nervures, the fourth (commencing inwardly) forked; the first area
has an incomplete nervure reaching only to the middle. Other cha-
racters as in Arwopus.
P. SACCHARICIDA, Sp. Nov.
Long-winged form, 8 2. Tegmina elongate, narrow, extending far
beyond apex of abdomen, interior half of clavus and corium more or
Pp 2
180 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
less faintly smoky, a long dark smoky stripe on middle of membrane,
three or four of nervures of the latter smoky at apex.
Short-winged form, 9. Tegmina reaching only to base of fifth seg-
ment, costa more arched, apex more rounded, neuration similar but
shortened. ‘Tegmina hyaline, colourless; nervures pale testaceous
brownish, with blackish brown non-piligerous dots (in both forms).
3. Pallid yellowish testaceous. Abdomen above and beneath
black, apical margins and laterally more or less widely pallid. Apical
half of first segment and carinate edges of second segment of antennex,
flagellum, basal half of frons (except the pustules) and a cloudy trans-
verse band near the apical margin of the same, longitudinal stripes on
femora, cox spotted or banded near the base, a large spot on each
pleuron, anterior and intermediate tibize with two or three annulations,
apical segment of tarsi, &c., blackish or brownish. First genital segment
large, deeply acuteangularly emarginate above.
@. Like the male, but abdomen above and beneath stramineous,
irregularly speckled with brownish. Ovipositor, &c., blackish. Sheath
not extending apically so far as the ‘‘scheidenpolster.” Long. 3 2
44 mill.; to apex of elytra in long-winged form, 64 mill.
Hawattan Istes: Oahu, Honolulu; destructive to sugar-cane.
Is destroyed by the Reduviid Zelus peregrinus, Kirkaldy.
I have much pleasure in naming this interesting genus after
Mr. R. C. L. Perkins, who has contributed more than any other
man to our knowledge of the fauna of the fascinating Hawaiian
Archipelago. As Mr. Perkins will shortly publish an exhaustive
account, with figures, &c., of this sugar pest, | have here merely
established the genus and species.. It may be added, however,
that the nymphs are important, as showing a different head
structure from the adults; in the former the frons is somewhat
widely bicarinate, slightly outcurved, but subparallel, the two
keels remaining separate from base to apex. It is probable that
a comparative study of the nymphs in the Asiracine would give
valuable hints as to the true affinities.of the various genera in
this very difficult and at present unsatisfactorily disposed sub-
family.
Fam. GERRIDA.
MIcROVELIA SINGALENSIS, sp. Nov.
Allied to M. lorie, Kirkaldy, but more elongate, the eyes
larger, different proportions to the legs, &c.
Elongate, abdomen subparallel laterally. Blackish, with silvery
pilosity along the lateral margins of the head dorsad to the eye, anterior
margin of pronotum, coxe, femora, &c. First segment and basal two-
thirds of second segment of antenne, ambulacra, legs (except apical
segment of tarsi), stramineous. Head beneath, clypeus, rostrum
(except fourth segment), connexiva, and lateral margins of abdomen
beneath (at least basally), also apical abdominal sternite (more or less),
and genital segment beneath, flavescent. Apical segment of tarsi, and
third and fourth and apex of second segment of antenne infuscate.
Vertex narrowly longitudinally sulcate. Rostrum reaching to about
MISCELLANEA RHYNCHOTALIA. 181
one-fourth of the length of the mesosternum. Fourth segment of
antenne slender, tapering, one-half longer than third, which is one-
fourth longer than the first, the latter being slightly longer than the
second. Pronotum carinate for three-fourths of its length ; posteriorly
triangular, obtusely rounded. Elytra dark fumate, with five or Six
bluish white more or less wedge-shaped spots. Second segment of
intermediate tarsi very slightly shorter than the third. Posterior
femora simple, second and third segments almost subequal, second very
slightly the longer.
3. Abdominal tergites carinate medio-longitudinally (except
the first). Last ‘abdominal’ tergite deeply, almost circularly
emarginate.
@. Last three or four abdominal tergites carinate. Last ‘‘ abdo-
minal’’ tergite truncate. A little stouter than the male. Long. 1°6
to 1:7 mill., lat. 0°75 mill,
Hab. Ceylon, Pundaluoya (March, H. EH. Green). Only the
macropterous form known.
GERRIS SELMA, Sp. n.
Belongs to typical subgenus (= Limnotrechus, Stal), and is
allied to G. coste, H.-Schiaffer, but is larger, more elongate, the
posterior margin of pronotum more rounded and more widely
reflexed ; the metasternal tubercle is much nearer to the posterior
margin of the metasternum, &c. Closely allied also to G. gracilt-
cornis (Horvath), but in the latter the abdominal sternites are
not depressed on each side of the carina.
Head above and beneath, anterior lobe of pronotum, apical segment
of rostrum, ventral surface, anterior tarsi, &c., blackish, the head and
pronotum covered with short olive-brown pubescence, the ventral surface
with velvety pale greenish yellow pubescence. Extreme apex of head,
a small wedge-shaped spot anterior to the eyes, an obtuse \/-shaped
mark at base of vertex, the median line on the anterior lobe of pro-
notum, ambulacra in part, lateral margins of abdominal sternites,
apical margin of seventh abdominal sternite, genital segments, &c.,
flavo-fulvescent. Rostrum and anterior legs sordid flavescent; inter-
mediate and posterior legs fulvous, more or less darkened; antenne,
posterior lobe of pronotum, lateral margin (as seen dorsally) of anterior
lobe, connexival tergites, elytra, &c., dark fulvous. Metasternal
tubercles black. Abdominal sternites carinate, each comparatively
considerably depressed on each side of the keel. First segment of in-
termediate tarsi two and a quarter times as long as the second (female),
nearly three times (male).
3. Anterior tibie slightly curved; seventh abdominal sternite
apically deeply emarginate.
@. Apical margin of seventh sternite subtruncate, very slightly
obtusely pointed in the middle. Long. § 124, @ 15-15} mill.
India, Sikkim (colln. Kirkaldy) ; Kurseong (Mus. Belge).
Variable in shades of colouring, &c., as are its allies. A
series of colour-varieties from different localities would be in-
teresting.
182 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW SPECIES AND A NEW
GENUS OF CHRYSOMELIDH FROM SOUTH AMERICA.
By Martin Jacosy.
(Continued from p. 170.)
MEGALOPUS BRASILIENSIS, Sp. N.
Black, closely pubescent; head finely rugose; thorax closely
punctured, the sides dark brown, the disc piceous ; elytra dark chest-
nut-brown, shining, the base strongly raised, the apex pubescent;
legs black. Length 7 mill.
Hab. St. Catarina.
Short and subquadrate; the head finely rugose, black; antenne
entirely black; thorax transversely subquadrate, with a transverse
anterior and posterior groove, the surface finely punctured, with a
narrow central longitudinal ridge, nearly black, the sides dark brown,
clothed with long black pubescence like the head; scutellum broad,
brownish, pubescent; elytra with the basal portion raised into high
round callosities ; the shoulders acutely raised, the surface of a shining
dark chestnut brown, sparingly punctured near the base, the apical
portion likewise raised and more closely covered with black hairs,
forming a small tomentose patch on each elytron; under side and legs
likewise covered with long black and grey hairs; posterior femora
incrassate, their tibiew straight. ;
Of this species I possess a single female specimen only. The
insect is closely allied to M. pilipes Lac., but differs in its short
and subquadrate shape and the colour of the elytra and that of
the legs, which are entirely black.
MEGALOPUS THORACICA, Sp. N.
Short and narrowly elongate, flavous; antenne (the basal joint
excepted) black; head at the vertex and a transverse band between the
eyes blackish ; thorax closely and distinctly punctured, a band at each
side, and a triangular spot at the middle, black; elytra finely pubescent,
the sides obscure fuscous. Length 7 mill.
Hab. Jalahy, Prov. Goyaz, Brazils.
This species is so closely allied to M. brevipennis in every
respect, that I am somewhat doubtful as to its specific distine-
tion, but the different sculpture of the thorax seems to suggest
another species; but this is the only difference, and sufficient to
distinguish it for the present. In M. brevipennis the thorax is
finely and closely rugose, punctate, and opaque. In the present
insect it is shining, the punctures are larger and distinctly
separated, and instead of an M-shaped mark there is a triangular
central patch and a narrow band at each side; the suture at the
middle has also a small fuscous spot. I have also received two
female specimens from the same locality which agree entirely in
structural details, but not in colouration, as the thorax is black,
with the sides and two small oblique streaks flavous ; the last
CHRYSOMELID/ FROM SOUTH AMERICA. 183
two-thirds of the elytra are fuscous, and the apex of the tibiz
and the tarsi are black. Whether these forms represent the
female sex of the present species, which I am inclined to believe,
or again another closely allied insect, more material will show.
MEGALOPUS BREVIPENNIS, Sp. n.
Narrow and short, flavous; antenne black; head with two trans-
verse bands; thorax very finely and closely punctured, with an M-shaped
mark ; elytra finely sericeous, the base flavous, the rest pale fuscous.
Mas. Posterior femora fulvous, strongly incrassate, unarmed ;
tibie robust, simple, slightly curved. Length 7 mill.
Hab. Jalahy, Prov. Goyaz, Brazils.
Head extremely closely and finely rugose, flavous; the vertex and
a broad band between the eyes piceous, the latter triangularly but not
deeply notched; antenne black, the basal joint fulvous; thorax slightly
broader than long, subcylindrical, sculptured like the head, finely
pubescent, flavous, with an M-shaped dark brown mark; scutellum
flavous ; elytra obliquely depressed below the base, the latter shining,
flavous, the rest of the surface clothed with short pale pubescence,
obscure fuscous, below flavous, the sides of the breast with an oblique
piceous stripe; abdominal segments also marked with obscure fulvous
or piceous ; legs fulvous.
This is a shorter species than any of the rest of the genus
with which I am acquainted, and of finely sericeous not shining
appearance. The femora of the male are unarmed.
OTILEA ORNATA, Sp. 0.
Elongate, narrowed posteriorly, fulvous, above metallic green, with
a fulvous stripe; the apical joints of the antenne black ; thorax with
the lateral margins dentate, metallic green, the disc dark fulvous; elytra
similarly coloured, deeply foveolate punctate, the sides transversely rugose,
metallic green, a broad sutural stripe dark fulvous. Length 10 mill.
Hab. Marcapata, Peru.
Head very closely punctured, metallic green, deeply depressed
between the eyes, the depressions more strongly punctured ; labrum and
palpi fulvous; antenne slender, filiform, fulvous, the terminal five
joints black, third and following joints elongate, nearly equal; thorax
strongly transverse, the lateral margins widened at the middle and
bidentate, the middle of the dise very deeply but not closely punctured,
fulvous, in shape of a broad band, the sides bright metallic green, deeply
and coarsely rugose and punctured, the rugosities partly confluent ;
scutellum metallic green; elytra with two rows of deep punctures near
the suture, the sides very deeply and confluently foveolate punctate and
transversely rugose, metallic green, a broad, posteriorly narrowed sutural
band dark fulvous; under side and legs fulvous, the first joint of the
posterior tarsi as long as the following joints together; prosternum
bilobed, narrowed medially.
Of this very handsome and peculiarly marked species I re-
ceived lately a single apparently female specimen.
(To be concluded.)
184 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
ON LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED BY MAJOR E. M.
WOODWARD IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA.
By Emity Mary SHarpr.
(Concluded from p. 168.)
Family Prmripm.:
124. NycnrTona MEDUSA (Cram.)—a.
125. N. immacuxata (Auriv.).—a-c. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
13-14, 1898.
126. N. nupra, Butl._—a, b. Kampala, Uganda; February 27,
1898. c¢. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898. d-e.
127. Trias zon, Hopf.—a. Kenani, Ukambani; August 3,
1897. b. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August 4, 1897.
128. T. narate, Mab.—a. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August 4,
1897. b-d. Mondo, Chagwe; February 28, 1898. e.
129. T. marsHaLutl, Butl.—a. Wakolis, Usoga; October 15, 1897.
130. TERAcoLus caLais (Cram.).—a. Campi Simba, Ukambani;
August 15, 1897.
131. T. corysonomE (Klug.).—a. Kenani, Ukambani; August
3, 1897. b. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August 4, 1897.
132. T. aurteingvs, Butl.—a. Muani, Ukambani; March 18,
1897. b. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 22, 1898.
133. T. eventna (Wligr.).—a. 9. Tsavo River, Ukambani;
August 1, 1897. 6, 9. Muani, Ukambani; August 17, 1897.
134. T. 1rHonus, Butl.—a 3. Kenani, Ukambani; August 8,
1897. b, 2. Campi Simba, Ukambani; August 15,1897. c, ?.
Campi Mauwi, Ukambani; August 16, 1897. d, 9. Muani,
Ukambani; August 17, 1897.
135. T. comprus, Butl.—a, 3. Tsavo River, Ukambani;
February 31,1897. b, ?. Kibwezi, Ukambani; August 9, 1897.
c, g. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April 20, 1898. d, °.
136. T. acning (Cram.).—a, 2. Kiboko River, Ukambani;
April 25, 1898.
137. T. ompHALE (Godt.).—a, ¢. Kenani, Ukambani; August
3, 1897. b, g. Upper Kedong, Kikuyu; September 4, 1897.
c, g. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 28,1898. d,e, 3 2.
138. T. paLLENE (Hopff.).—a, 2. Makindo River, Ukambani,
August 14, 1897.
139. T. psnupacastE, Butl._—a, 2? . Makindo River, Ukambani;
August 14, 1897. b, ?. Muani, Ukambani; August 17, 1897.
c, &. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April 20, 1898.
140. T. Eris (Klug.).—a, 3. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August
4,1897. b, . Campi Simba, Ukambani; August 15, 1897.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA. 185
141. T. cenimENE (Lucas).—a, 3. Mesongoleni, Ukambani ;
August 5, 1897. 0b, 2. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 13, 1898.
142. T. nuGonensis, H. M. Sharpe.—a, 3. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 18,1898. b, d. Nandi; March 16,1898. c, ¢. Eldoma
Ravine, Mau; March 20, 1898.
148. T. puntceus (Butl.).—a, b, 9. Campi Mauwi, Ukambani ;
August 16,1897. c, ¢. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August 14, 1897.
144, T. uEo (Butl.).—a, ¢. Kiboko River, Ukambani; Sep-
tember 25, 1898. b, 2.
145. T. carocHrysops, Butl._—a. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August
-4, 1897.
146. T. auxo (Lucas).—a, $. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August
4,1897. b-d, ¢ ?. Muani, Ukambani; August 17, 1897.
147. PinacopreRyx orBona (fHiibn.).—a, 2. Upper Kedong,
Kikuyu; September 4, 1897. b, ¢. Lugumbwas, Chagwe;
March 1, 1898.
148. Contas eDUSA = ELECTRA (Linn.).—a. 1st Swamp, Ki-
kuyu; September 3,1897. 0b. Eldoma Ravine; March 20, 1898.
149. BELENOIS MESENTINA (Cram.).—a, gd. Campi Aziwa,
Nandi; March 19, 1898.
150. B. severina (Cram.).—a, b, ¢ 2. Campi Mauwi, Ukam-
bani; August 16, 1897.
151. B. nema, Butl.—a, ¢. Muani, Ukambani; August 17,
1897. c, ¢. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April 20, 1898. b, ?. Campi
Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
152. B. penticERa (Butl.).—a, b, ¢ ?. Lugumbwas, Chagwe;
March 1, 1898. c, ¢. Wakolis, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
153. B. zocHaura (Boisd.).—a, b, 3. Gilgil, near Lake Nai-
vasha; September 10, 1897. c, ¢. Lugumbwas, Chagwe; March
1, 1898.
154. B. uorpaca (Walk.).—a, @. Muani, Ukambani; August
18, 1897.
155. B. asyssinica (Lucas).—a, 3. Muani, Ukambani; August
17, 1897.
156. B. crawsuayi, Butl._—a, ¢. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14,1898. b,c, gd 29. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
157. B. rantue (Doubl.).—a. Lugumbwas, Chagwe; March
1, 1898.
158. B. wenwitscu1, Rogenh.—a-c, § 2. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 14, 1898.
159. B. Rarrrayi (Oberth.).—a,b, 3. Campi Rao, Nandi;
March 13-14, 1898. c, 9. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 20, 1898.
160. B. raysa (Hopff.).—a, 3.
161. GuuropHRissa FLavipa (Mab.).—a. Misongoleni, Ukam-
bani; August 5, 1897.
186 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
162. G. contracta, Butl._—a, 3.
163. PHRISSURA NAGARE (Grose Smith).—a, 2. Lugumbwas,
Chagwe; March 1, 1898.
164. Eronra LEDA (Boisd.).—a, 3. Kiboko River, Ukambani;
August 14, 1897.
165. E. pinatata, Butl.—a. Kiboko River, Ukambani.; May
2, 1898.
166. NepHERONIA POPPEA (Donov.).—a-e, 3 2. Campi Rao,
Nandi; March 13-15, 1898.
167. N. rHauassina (Boisd.).—a, 2. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
168. MyLoruris AGATHINA (Cram.).—a-—b, 3 2? . Kibwezi, Ukam-
bani; August 10, 24, 1897. c, ¢. Lugumbwas, Chagwe ; March
1, 1898.
169. M. poppea (Cram.).—a, ?. Wakolis, Usoga; March 4,
1898.
170. M. wintonrana, #. M. Sharpe.—a, 3.
171. M. rupprnur (Koch.).—a, §. Campi Darajani, Nandi;
March 18,1898. b, ?. Campi Aziwa, Nandi; March 19, 1898.
172. M. sacxson1, H. M. Sharpe.—a, b. Campi Darajani, Nandi;
March 18, 1898. c,d. EKldoma Ravine, Mau; March 20, 1898.
173. CATOPSILIA FLORELLA (F'abr.).—a, @. Muani, Ukambani;
March 17,1897. b,c, 3% °. Hldoma Ravine, Mau; March 23,1898.
174. Herpmnia iTerata, Butl.—a. Kiu Hills, Ukambani;
April 19, 1898. 0b, ec. Campi Mauwi, Ukambani; April 22, 1898.
Family PaprnionipZ.
175. Papinio MENESTHEUS, Drury.—a. Campi Pashto, Nandi;
March 15, 1898.
176. P. mackinnoni, H. M. Sharpe.—a. Eldoma Ravine, Mau;
March 22, 1898. b. Campi Darajani, Nandi; March 18, 1898.
177. P. prineuer, HL. M. Sharpe.—a, b, ¢. Eldoma Ravine,
Mau; March 20-28, 1898. c, ?.
178. P. constantinus, Ward.—a. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April
20, 1898.
179. P. antinori1, Oberth.—a. Upper Kedong River, Kikuyu ;
September 4, 1897. 0b. Mondo, Chagwe; February 28, 1898.
180. P. turuinus, Butl.—a. Mondo, Chagwe; February 28,
1898. 0b.
181. P. cononwa, Ward.—a. Upper Kedong River, Kikuyu;
September 4, 1897. b.
182. P. pHorcas, Cram.—a, 3. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898. b, g. Campi Darajani, Nandi; March 18, 1898.
c, 2. Mbabani, Usoga; March 4, 1898.
183. P. simmuis, Cram.—a. Lugumbwas, Chagwe; March 1,
1898.
BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA. 187
184. P. pynapss, Fabr.—a, b. Samia Hills, Kavirondo; March
7, 1898.
185. P. nrrevus, Linn.—a.
186. P. Bromus, Doubl.—a, 3. Mondo, Chagwe; February 28,
1898. b, 2. c¢, ¢. Campi Pashto, Nandi; March 15, 1898.
187. P. pEmopocus, Hsp.—a. Kibaoni, Ukambani; April 20,
1898. b. Muani, Ukambani.
188. P. sacxsoni, H. M. Sharpe.—a, b, 3 9. Campi Darajani,
Nandi; March 18, 1898. c, ¢. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March
20, 1898.
Family Hesprripm.
189. RHOPALOCAMPTA ANCHISES (Gerst.).—a.
190. PapRaona zENo (T’rim.).—a. Campi Pashto, Nandi;
March 15, 1898. 0b. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 20, 1898.
191. Hesperta DRomus (Plétz).—a. Upper Kedong River, Ki-
kuyu; September 4, 1897. b.
192. CeRATRICHIA FLAVA, Hewits.—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898. b.
193. Baorts ALBERTI, Holla. Campi Rao, Nandi; March
14, 1898.
194. AcLERosS MAcKENII (7'rim.).—a. Campi Darajani, Nandi;
March 18, 1898. b. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
195. Hacris sp.—a-—b. Nandi; March 16, 1898.
196. SaraNecEsa sp.—a. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 20,
1898.
197. 8. motozi (Wallgr.).—a. Mtoto-Ndi, Ukambani; August
4, 1897.
198. S. synesTALMENUuS (Karsch.).—a. Mondo, Chagwe; Feb-
ruary 28, 1898.
199. CELHNORRHINUS PROxIMUS (Mab.).—-a. Campi Rao, Nan-
di; March 14,1898. 6. Eldoma Ravine, Mau; March 20, 1898.
200. Eretis DimtmLm (Wallgr.).—a, b. Nairobi, Kikuyu;
August 14, 1897.
HETEROCERA.
Family Hypsip.
201. NycTEMERA sp.
202. ARGINA CINGULIFERA (Walk.).—a. Campi Mauwi, Ukam-
bani; August 16, 1897.
Family ArctiaDm.
203. Secusio parvipunctata, Hamps.—a. Nairobi, Kikuyu;
May 24, 1897.
Family Nocturp%.
204. CyLIGRAMMA LAToNA, Cram.—a, b. Kiu Hills, Ukam-
bani; April 19, 1898.
205. C. RUDILINEA, Walk.—a.
188 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Family AGaRIsTIDm.
206. XANTHOSPILOPTERYX FATIMA, Kirby.— a. Lugumbwas,
Chagwe; March 1, 1898.
207. AXGocrRA TRICOLOR, Druce.—a.
Family SaTurNiaDm.
208. ANTHERHA ZADDACHII, Dewitz.—a.
Family GromMEtTRipm.
209. Trrina sp.—a. Campi Rao, Nandi; March 14, 1898.
210. Kuponia pDispuNcTaRIA, Guén.—a. Muani, Ukambani;
August 17, 1897.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
ConTRIBUTIONS TO THE Nationa CoLuEcTION oF British LeprmoptTEra,
—The Rev. W. Claxton, Navestock Vicarage, Romford: eight speci-
mens of Caradrina ambigua, and three forms of Anchocelis lunosa. Mr,
A. H. Clarke, 109, Warwick Road, 8.W.: an example of Cerastis
erythrocephala, taken at Marlow in October, 1859.
YeELLow Conourtnc or Cocoon or Puusia moneta, Resutt oF
Morsturr.—On the 12th May I found a small larva of this moth on
monkshood, which spun its cocoon on the 380th, this was until
yesterday quite white, when I sprinkled with water the inside of the
box in which I kept it and other pupe. Some of the drops of water,
I noticed, happened to fall on this cocoon. An hour or so after I was
surprised to find that the moneta cocoon was spotted with yellow just
where the drops of water had fallen. To-day I damped the whole
cocoon, and turned it to a uniform yellow all over. This explains, I
think, why cocoons found in a natural state on the food-plants are
always yellow, as they would get moistened by rain or dew.—J. F.
Birp; The Lodge, Cowfold, Sussex, June 15th, 1908.
Notre on Sprtosoma mMENpDIcA.—It is not uncommon to see females
of Spilosoma mendica flying short distances in the hot sunshine. It
appears to differ in this habit to the rest of the genus, lubricipeda and
menthastri being such lethargic insects in the daytime. Mendica seems
in this respect more to resemble Phragmatobia fuliginosa, which I have
taken on the wing; but it must be said in either case it has always
been a female specimen. I do not know if other collectors have seen
males of S. mendica, or females of S. lubricipeda or S. menthastri flying
in the daytime.—T. B. Jerrerys ; Bath, June 2nd, 1903.
MELITHA AURINIA var. HIBERNICA.— With regard to Mr. Kane’s
mention of Melitea aurinia, quoted by Mr. Freke, ante, p. 111, I beg
to say they were reared or captured specimens from Cromlyn bog,
about two miles from the town of Rathowen. Some other specimens
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 189
from the same place had been sent to Mr. Birchall, who gave them
the name “var. hibernica,’”’ and figured them as such. A very hand-
some series were sent to the late Henry Doubleday, who was much
delighted with the specimens, and wrote saying he had never seen
their equals for size and brilliance of colouring. Unfortunately of late
years M. aurinia seems to have quite forsaken our bog.—F rancrs J.
Barrerssy ; Cromlyn, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath, May 29th, 1903.
Tar Name Micropyea.—I am much obliged to Mr. Cockerell for
drawing my attention to the above generic name having been used
previously, and I quite agree with him that such a mistake is the
outcome of gross carelessness. J am, however, not quite so bad in
regard of ‘‘taking not the slightest trouble,” as Mr. Cockerell assumes ;
on the contrary, I take every trouble, and in this instance must have
forgotten to consult the Zoological Index, although I was under the
impression that I did consult it. As my mistake in using a generic
name already employed is, I hope, the only instance during thirty
years of entomological work, I trust that my crime will be included
charitably under the heading of human fallibility which I have, un-
fortunately, in common with other authors too numerous to mention
here.—M. Jacosy.
Acronycta ALnt In Norwicu.— In September, 1902, one of my
cathedral choristers gave me a full-fed larva of Acronycta alni, which
he had picked up in his garden. Its hair-like appendages were all
broken off, and I found that it had an external parasite in one of the
interstices of the segments. Though I believed it to be a hopeless
case, I extracted the parasite with care, and laid it on some fine
moistened soil in a tin box. The larva lost one large drop of green
fluid, and appeared very weak. It, however, spun a little silk on the
soil, and in a day or two seemed to have regained strength sufficient
to turn from side to side in the accustomed manner of larve about to
pupate. Though [I still had but slender hopes of rearing it, I was
pleasantly surprised in a week’s time to find the skin cast, and a
perfect pupa formed. This I kept through the winter in an outhouse,
transferring it to the warmer climate of a kitchen cupboard at the
beginning of April, 1903. The pupa was alive and well, and on
May 18th it exceeded my highest aspirations by emerging into a
perfectly formed full-sized male, the operation upon the larva not
having impaired it in any way. The well-known frailty of larve in
general, and the almost invariable result of a wound proving fatal,
make this very interesting.—(Rev.) A. Mites Moss; June 13th,
1903.
On Rearing Ennomos ruscantaria.— When working the electric
lights for moths on the night of October 8th, 1900, I came across a
battered female of the above species resting on the pavement at the
foot of one of the lamps. ‘The species is more or less common every
year at Chester, and it follows the rule set by others, since the indivi-
duals attracted by the lamps are chiefly males. The female referred
to was full of eggs, and consequently welcome, as I had long wished
to rear the caterpillar and observe its habits. The eggs, of which there
were more than a hundred, resembled miniature bricks in shape.
190 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
They were laid in irregular rows on the sides of a chip-box, with their
longest sides touching each other. Their colour was a dark, almost
coffee-coloured brown. Although they were kept indoors, but in a
cold room without a fire, throughout the winter, hatching did not
begin until May 21st of the following year. On that date a single
caterpillar emerged, and nine days afterwards the rest followed suit.
It appeared, even through a lens, to be nothing more than a thin
greenish but very animated line. It grew apace, and kept the start it
had made to the end of the chapter. It spun up on June 30th, and
appeared as a fine big female on July 21st. From May 30th, hatching
continued daily and gradually until June 29th, when all the larve
had appeared. These I fed on ash leaves, always taking care that the
latter were fresh. Once I tried the larve on birch. They ate a little,
but evidently preferred ash, so I troubled them no more with experi-
mental foods. The eggs were hatched in large glass jars placed out
of the sun with pieces of muslin kept stretched over the tops by elastic
bands. A piece of glass was then laid so as to almost cover the muslin,
but just leaving so much uncovered as would allow for ventilation.
The glass over the tops of the jars preserves the food-plant wonderfully.
I may add that the larvee were kept in these jars until they pupated.
The only change I made was the substitution of net for muslin, or
gauze, as the larve grew. After pupation the spun-up chrysalids were
placed in deep card-boxes about a foot square to give the expected
moths plenty of room. The caterpillar itself I found to be continuously
green—head, segments, legs, and claspers—until the stage before the
final one. ‘The particular shade of green is exactly that of the ash-
leaf. The protective coloration is therefore remarkable, and doubtless
supplies an escape from birds as well as from the eyes of most observers.
Besides, the larva rests, as a rule, on the under surfaces of the leaves,
along the midribs and veins, with which it assimilates marvellously.
Since ash trees are usually exposed to every wind that blows, the
caterpillars are furnished with large and powerful anal claspers,
enabling them to exercise a tenacious hold. They spin a silken thread
which they freely use, especially in the earlier stages, as a means of
locomotion. In the third stage they perhaps assimilate most with the
yellowish green of the leaves, leaf-stems, and midribs, and the seg-
mental divisions of the caterpillar are distinctly yellowish. In the
fourth stage the appearance of the caterpillar is as follows: Length
13 inches. Hazel or hazel-green. Segment divisions russet. Head
green or hazel-green. legs and claspers dark russet. Three con-
spicuous dark russet warts on body—the first on segment 3; second
on segment 6; third on segment 9. Although the protective coloration
is to some extent lost, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say
changed, at this period, it distinctly returns in the final one. The
caterpillar once more assumes the green of the ash-leaf, the dark tint
of the segment-divisions is gone, and that of the humps almost so. It
then draws two or three leaflets together, like Geometra papilionarta,
using a few strong, short and netted, white, silken threads. Here it
changes to a pale green, stout, and anal-pointed chrysalis. I only
saw one case of cannibalism. Throughout they were reared in a cool
room without a fire; all had spun up by July 24th, and all had
emerged by August 21st. There were a few exceptions—perhaps a
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 191
dozen. These failed to break through the silken meshes of their
hammocks, and so perished. The rest were fine big healthy moths of
both sexes, and most of them I let fly to join their compeers in what
I have no doubt was a welcome freedom.—J. Arxue; Chester, April.
A New Burrerrty Ner.—I have recently had the pleasure of
putting to practical test a very ingenious net invented and sold by
Rowland Ward, Lid., 166, Piccadilly, which collectors will find of
great convenience. It forms an admirable walking-stick when not in
use, which contains the ring of the net formed of two portions that
can be instantly pulled out of the stick (after unscrewing the knob
forming the handle), and an ordinary net-bag run on the ring-canes ;
the ends can then be quickly fitted together, when a small stay is slipped
into place at the base, and a net of 5 ft. circumference is ready for use.
The great advantage of the invention is that the collector can always
carry with him a very serviceable net, which can be adjusted rapidly
and as quickly put out of sight, as the modest collector does not care
to brandish a large net before the gaze of the uninitiated._F. W.
FRowawk.
Fire in Wicken Fen.— We are indebted to Mr. E. G. J. Sparke
for the following cutting from the ‘Hast Anglian Daily Times’ of
June 10th:—“On Sunday afternoon about twenty acres of Wicken
Fen were destroyed by fire, notwithstanding the efforts of a small band
of the villagers to prevent the lamentable destruction of natural life.
Wicken Fen, now some two hundred acres only in extent, is about the
only piece of virgin fenland left in England. . . . The fire was
due either to vandalism or the gross carelessness of some holiday-
makers, who, in common with others of the general public, have been
permitted in the past to picnic here. As a result of the damage, it is
feared the fen will now be closed.”’
Epmemic among Carerpituars.—Mr. Littler (ante, p. 172) writing
on an epidemic among larve, mentions “that possibly overcrowding is
the cause’’; anyhow, from my experience this does not seem to be the
case, Last year (1902) I had seventeen Melitea aurinia, twenty-seven
Lasiocampa quercus, fourteen Odonestis potatoria, fourteen Gastropacha
quercifolia, eleven Notodonta trepida, fifteen Ptilophora plumigera, a
quantity of Ocneria dispar, and Teniocampa populeti, and others, and
the results were very small, viz.: two aurinia, two quercus, three
potatoria, two quercifolia, two trepida. This year I am rearing most of
the same species, and in larger quantities; for instance, forty O.
potatoria in the same cage that the fourteen were in last year; they
are now nearly all full-grown, many already spun up, and this at least
a month earlier than last year. In all cases [am doing vastly better
up to the present, and have come to the conclusion that it must be
something to do with the weather. In a bad season one has not the
means of judging what the mortality is under natural conditions.—
Hersert H. Crarxe; Watlington House, Sidcup, Kent, June 38rd, 1908.
Oponata AND OrtHoptEeRA In 1902.—Mr. Lucas found it impracti-
cable at the commencement of the year to give his usual review of the
Odonata and Orthoptera of the past season. Notes on the two seasons
will, however, appear before the close of the present year.
192 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Urticatinc Larva Hairs.—I read Mr. Butler’s remarks on this
subject (ante, p. 187) with special interest, as I also received a nest of
Porthesia chrysorrhea larve from our mutual friend, Mr. Hargreaves.
Parenthetically I may say I planted a number of the caterpillars on a
few safe hawthorn hedges, with a view to establishing the species, but
the result was failure. In fact, of the many species I have tried to
naturalize in the district, I can only claim to have established one—
Leucoma salicis. With P. chrysorrhea I got on very differently to
Mr. Butler. I found I could handle the larve, and altogether exist in
their company, with less irritation than with P. auriflua. I must
confess that the larve of the latter smart my hands, but the irritation
soon passes off. Some Chester schoolboys, however, who set up
breeding-cages and started with P. auriflua, had a painful time of it.
Next morning the head-master received letters of apology for their
absence, saying that all the lads were suffering from a painful affection
of the eyes. Of the species mentioned by Mr. Carter (ante, p. 68),
I can handle the caterpillars of Arctia caia, A. villica, Malacosoma
(Bombyx) neustria, Callimorpha dominula, Gastropacha (Lastocampa)
quercifolta, Saturnia carpinit, Orgyia antiqua, Dasychira pudibunda,
Lasiocampa (Bombyx) quercus, and Macrothylacia (Bombyx) rubi without
irritation, but the cocoons of the last two set up a smarting which is
nothing else than painful. I agree with Mr. Carter that a good deal
of explanation may be found in a susceptible cuticle. The cases may
hardly be on all fours, but (1) I once came across a boy coolly gathering
young nettles, with his bare hands, to boil as a vegetable, and (2) a
friend of mine had his hand much inflamed and swollen through in-
advertently placing it on a young growth of the same kind of inland
nettles. The susceptible cuticle doubtless explains much, but the
history of poisons, as applied to the animal world, seems to point to
something else that is constitutional. For instance, I have just been told
of a patient who was so distressed by a sixth of a usual dose of
strychnine, administered medicinally, that the treatment had to be
changed.—_J. Arxue; Chester.
ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN ApRit.—On the 8th instant one of these
moths was brought to me. It was found at five p.m. at rest on board
His Majesty’s coastguard cruiser ‘Rose,’ at sea, in the North Sea, off
Southwold, on April 28th, so it probably flew on board the previous
night. The weather during the night had been fine and warm, with a
light breeze from the south-west, and the ship was cruising from five
to ten miles off the land. When I received the moth it was transfixed
with a large threaded needle to a small piece of soft wood, and the
thread was wound round and round the wings and body and the piece
of wood, so that the insect could not possibly move. Chloroform had
been administered several times, but it was still alive, so I cut the
threads and killed the poor creature with oxalic acid. Notwithstanding
the rough treatment it had received it was in very fair condition, and
had apparently not been long from the pupa. This is an interesting
capture, for it shows how early the species emerges in a state of nature.
I have taken the full-grown larve at the beginning of July which
must have been produced from ova deposited early in May.—Gerrvase
F. Maruew; Dovercourt, May 19th, 1908.
193
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN SaLTaIRE.—On May 15th I had a specimen
of A. atropos brought to me by a friend, he having taken it in a street
in Saltaire—Sam HainswortH; 14, Dove Street, Saltaire.
Norges on Puusia Moneta, &c.—For the third year in succession,
including this season, I have successfully reared large numbers of this
species, to the advantage of numerous correspondents and, of course,
my own collection. They have all been taken within a mile or so of
this neighbourhood, and mostly in cottage gardens. The best time to
secure the larve is in the early spring, immediately its food-plant
begins to show through; and I have found that the easiest way to rear
them is to place the larve on growing plants in the garden and leave
them alone, but it is necessary to protect them from birds—ichneumoned
they rarely: are—and in order to do this I procure a cheese-box, knock
the bottom out, fit a ‘‘sleeve’”’ of muslin or leno to the remaining sides,
and place it over the plant, embedding the round box-sides into the
earth, push a long stick into the centre of the plant, place the larve
on same, bunch the material round the cane above them, and tie with
tape. The whole thing then has the appearance of a miniature tent. I
might add, en passant, that many other low-feeding larve can be success-
fully reared in this manner, especially Apamea ophiogramma. While
P.moneta is getting more plentiful, I notice that P. chrysitis is becoming
scarcer. I have not taken one for three years now, near London ;
indeed, I have not even seen one in the wild state alive during that time,
and I know of other collectors who have noted the same thing. Why
is this, I wonder? It was formerly very common everywhere. In
conclusion, I should just like to warn rearers of P. moneta that the
house sparrow looks upon the larve and pupe as a great delicacy; I
noticed quite a dozen of these mischievous little scavengers, twittering
and dodging in and out of a large plant of Aconitum last week. Being
suspicious of their doings, I got permission from the owner of the
garden, and overhauled the plant to find the cause of the excitement,
and, lo! cocoons of P. moneta, literally torn from the leaves and the
pup extracted, some of which were lying on the ground in a very
mutilated condition. A great number, I have no doubt, perish in this
way.—A. J. Lawrance; 76, Samos Road, Anerley, S.E.
Dierera, Coneoptera, &c., at Hastincs.—At Whitsuntide I spent
seven days at Hastings, and took the opportunity of collecting what
few Diptera the rain had not washed away; but the effect of the con-
tinual rains was painfully apparent, and though species were propor-
tionately numerous, examples were the reverse. Most of my collection
being packed away, I could only identify some of my captures. I
worked Ecclesbourne Glen three times for about three hours on each
occasion, and once collected on the outskirts of the town. Amongst
the higher Diptera I took four Dioctria rufipes, two Chlorosia formosa,
a Hilaraand an Hmpis, an Argyra, and two or three other Dolichopods.
In Syrphide I took a small series of Syrphus tricinctus (females only),
S. luniger (three), showing both the orange and bright yellow forms;
S. ribesti, rather commonly in both sexes, from which species I have
ENTOM.—JULY, 1903. Q
194 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
not yet differentiated vitripennis, though Mr. Verrall says the two
Species are distinct; one female, however, exactly answers to Mr.
Verrall’s vitripennis. Of S. nitidicollis, an uncommon species, I took a
perfect female on the outskirts, and of albostriatus and cinctellus, one
female each. Also present were Chilosia (three or four species, at least),
Pipiza noctiluca, female, and Platychinus scutatus, male. A pair of
Xylota segnis, a male Brachyopa bicolor, a male Xanthogramma citro-
Fasciatum, all from the Glen. Six specimens of Baccha, of which three
answer to obscuripennis and three to elongata, tested by the wing
coloration, but I cannot separate them in accordance with the specific
character of the dusted face. A few specimens of a Pipiza, &c., a
Chrysogaster, five or six species of Tachinidex, two of Sarcophaga (one
with red-tipped abdomen), a Graphomyia maculata, female; Polietes
lardaria and P. albolineata, both rather common, with at least a dozen
other species of Anthomyide, apart from those that are ubiquitous;
Myodina vibrans, Sapromyza (three species), Scatophaga (three species),
Spilographa zoe, and another Trypetid. In Nemocera, a small series,
including both sexes, of Ptychoptera contaminata, in a ditch and pool
at the extreme land end of the Glen, Pachyrina sp. (? pratensis), male
and female in cup., Tipula (?vernalis), and another species of the genus,
besides about a dozen species of Limnobine, the latter taken on a
dull damp day around the spring in Ecclesbourne Glen, and in com-
pany with several species of Mycetophilide and Chironomide.
In Coleoptera, Coccinella bipunctata was common in cop. on bushes in
the sunshine. I saw one 7-punctata, but it escaped me, and I took two
or three other species, unless they are vars. of variabilis; two species of
Telephorus, a small livid one, and (I think) pellucidus; several of the
smaller and commoner bettles, and a Clytus arietis, which, reviving
from the sulphur fumes after being impaled, lived thus for several days.
A monster brown and yellow dragonfly fell a prey either to curiosity or
bravado, as, after missing it the first time (due to it settling on the
top of a high bush covered with brambles in Keclesbourne Glen), it
hovered just above the same spot, and I took it with a return stroke of
the net. I captured also two much smaller dragonflies, and saw a
species of Aischna, flying too high to reach it. One or two species of
Nomada, a large female Bombus lapidarius, two or three Chrysids, several
Tenthredinide, and a number of a rather large black ant on a dead
tree stump, represented the Hymenoptera, and in Lepidoptera I only
saw the common white, common blue, and small heath, and only one
or two of each.
In fine weather, a week or fortnight in this locality ought to result
in a rich harvest. Ecclesbourne Glen must possess an extensive fauna
in at least Diptera, and though I did not visit the sister glen (Fairlight),
it ought, I think, to be about equally productive.—K. Brunerti; 108,
Brixton Road, 8.W.
Notes rrom New Zratanp.—I arrived here October 2nd, 1902,
but except a few hybernated Vanessa gonerilla, which greatly resembles
English V. atalanta, and feeds on nettle, and of which I subsequently
bred a nice series, there was nothing about until the end of the month,
when at light I obtained several examples of the magnificent green
Hepialus virescens. The season was very wet and cold, and there were
a
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 195
no butterflies about until the middle of December, when the two coppers,
Chrysophanus salustius and C. enysti, were very abundant in the clearings
in the bush. By far the rarest and one of the most striking of the
New Zealand butterflies is Dodonidea helmsi, and Mr. G. V. Hudson
having kindly told me of its locality, I went in search of it on February
15th. The day was very hot, and after leaving the railway there was
a climb of three miles to the top of the hill; however, the sight of a
splendid specimen flying across the road and then returning to the
bush was great encouragement. At the top a small watercourse led
into the dense bush, which here consisted of tall trees (birch), and, very
unusual for New Zealand, very little undergrowth, and here, in the
darkest part of the forest, there were several specimens about, but,
owing to the rough nature of the ground (fallen trees, tussock grass,
and marsh), I was unable to catch any specimens. Pushing on through
the forest, I presently came to another clearing, and here there were
several D. helmsi, sailing about like our Limenitis sibylla, and coming
out of the dark forest, hovering over a sunlit leaf, and then returning
into the darkness again, but almost always through the same opening.
Standing beside this, on a small mound, I succeeded in obtaining
fourteen specimens. It was a splendid day’s work, and most exciting, for,
although a slow flyer, the insect is difficult to catch, and, added to that,
frequent falls occur owing to the roughness of the ground. I may add
that when settled, as it frequently does in the sunshine, on the midrib
of a leaf, it is most difficult to see, owing to the peculiar colour and
marking of the under side. The ground is very hilly here, and at one
place, standing on top of a hill, I was level with the tops of the trees
only a few yards away, and around which were several D, helmsi
sunning themselves. On February 22nd I obtained an example of
Lycena phebe, and later saw another, and in March I got a few V’. gonerilla,
but about this time a sharp attack of pneumonia put a stop to collecting.
In Heterocera I got two examples of Declana atronivea, a very hand-
some insect, with silver and black upper wings and smoky grey under
wings. The only other things worth mentioning were our old friends
Agrotis ypsilon and Heliothis armigera, a single example of each.—
Husert W. Simmonns; 23, Hill St., Wellington, N.Z., April 13th, 1908.
Lepmwoprera at Licur purincg Apri and May, 1903.—It may be
of interest to record my captures at the gas-lamps in Dorking up to
the end of May. I have worked fairly regularly, and sometimes as
late as 1 a.m., the best times being between 11 p.m. and lam. I
append the date on which each species was taken for the first time :—
Smerinthus ocellatus, May 27th. Huchelia jacobeea, May 25th. Spilo-
soma lubricipeda, May 24th. 8S. menthastri, May 10th. Dasychira
pudibunda, May 28th. Pterostoma palpina, May 28rd. Lophopteryx
carmelita, May 1st. Notodonta dictaa, May 28th. N. dicteoides, May
31st. N. trepida May 81st. N., trimacula (dodonea), May 28rd. Gram-
mesia trigrammica, May 81st. Agrotis puta, May 18th. A. cinerea,
May 28th. Pachnobia rubricosa, May 8th. Teniocampa gothica, April
27th (taken also in March). ‘Rumia luteolata, May 18th. Selenia
bilunaria, May 8th (taken also in March). S. lunaria, May 28th.
Odontopera bidentata, May 18th. Tephrosia crepuscularia, May 10th.
Strenia clathrata, May 28th. Panagra petraria, May 20th. Ligdia
196 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
adustata, May 21st. Hupithecia oblongata, May 18th. E. vulgata,
May 22nd. F. exiguata, May 31st. FE. pumilata, May 23rd. Lobo-
phora viretata, May 29th. Melanippe fluctuata, May 4th. Coremia
unidentaria, May 10th. Phibalapteryax vitalbata, May 8th. Hucosmia
certata, May 14th. Anaitis plagiata, May 4th.—(Rev.) F. A. OupaKEr;
Parsonage House, Dorking, June 10th, 1903.
SOCIETIES.
Entomouoeicat Socrery or Lonpon. — May 6th, 1908. — Professor
K. B. Poulton, M.A., D.Se., F.R.S., President, in the chair. The
President exhibited one of the original invitations to join the Society
issued in 1834, and signed “G. R. Gray, Secretary pro. tem.’ Mr.
Willoughby Gardner exhibited nest-cells of Osmia wanthomelana from
Conway, North Wales. He said the species, one of our rarer mason
bees, places its beautifully constructed pitcher-shaped cells at the roots
of grass, usually four or five together. There is no previous record of
the nest having been found since Mr. Waterhouse discovered and
described it from Liverpool about sixty-five years ago. Mr. M. Jacoby
exhibited Arsoa longimana, Fairm., and A. aranea, from Madagascar,
the only other specimens of these species he knew of being in the
British Museum collection. He also exhibited Megalopus melipona,
Bates, and M. pilipes from the Amazon, which hore a remarkable
resemblance to a bee. Mr. A. J. Chitty exhibited a water-beetle new
to Britain, viz. Hydroporus bilineatus, Sturm., discovered by Mr.
Edward Waterhouse among some specimens of Hydroporus given by
Mr. Chitty to him as H. grauularis. The specimens were taken at
Deal in 1891, and probably all records of granularis from Deal
relate to this species. He also exhibited a specimen of the rare T’rechus
rivularis (incilis of Dawson), taken at Wicken Fen in August, 1900.
Mr. O. HE. Janson exhibited specimens of Neophadimus melaleucus,
Fairm., a goliath beetle from Upper Tonkin, and remarked that the
white colouring was derived from a dense clothing of peculiar semi-
transparent coarse scales which were apparently easily removed by
abrasion, and seemed to partake of the nature of the ‘ fugitive’’
scales found upon freshly-emerged specimens of Hemaris and other
Lepidoptera. The President read a communication from Mr. G. F.
Leigh, on ‘Protective Resemblance and other Modes of Defence
adopted by the Larve and Pupx of Natal Lepidoptera,” and exhibited
cocoons of Hublemmistis chlorozonea to illustrate some of his remarks.
He said that it was of great interest to hear the conclusions, as to the
general meaning of the colouring of Natal larve, reached by one of
their Fellows who had so wide and intimate an experience as Mr. Leigh.
It was interesting to observe that Mr. Leigh considers the larva of
Papilio nireus to be conspicuous, when its pupa possesses a wonderful
power of colour adjustment, as was first shown and figured by Mrs. M.
HK. Barker in the Transactions (1874, p. 519). The first account of
the larve and pupe of Papilio dardanus was given by Mr. Mansel
Weale (Trans. Hnt. Soc. Lond. 1874, p. 131). The combination of
many larve to produce a patch of colour like the bark on which they
a ttn
SOCIETIES. 197
rest is very interesting, as also is the ‘‘ homing ’’ instinct which leads
the larve to return to the same spot at the end of each night. Prof.
Poulton also showed a specimen of Polygonia c-album in the attitude of
prolonged repose, together with specimens of Anea moeris set in different
ways to illustrate its probable resting position. He said that the ‘C”’
or ‘‘comma’’ on the under surface of the hind wings in butterflies
belonging to the genus Polygonia (Grapta) no doubt represents in
bright, strongly-reflecting ‘‘ body-colour”’ the light shining through a
semicircular rent in a fragment of dead leaf—the rent produced when
a little segment of leaf has broken away along a curved line, but still
remains connected with the rest—across the chord of the are. The
President also exhibited a pair of Hypolimnas misippus taken in coitu
by Mr. Horace A. Byatt, near his house, at a height of 4500 to 5000 ft.,
in Dedza, Central Angoniland, British Central Africa. The specimens
were remarkable in that the female was excessively worn and old, far more
so than the male. Such an observation tends towards the conclusion
that pairing occurs more than once in the life of an individual of this
species. Mr. G. A. J. Rothney communicated ‘‘ Descriptions of Twelve
New Genera and Species of Ichneumonidae, and Three New Species of
Ampulex from India, by Peter Cameron.’’ — H. Rownanp Brown,
Hon. Sec.
Soutn Lonpon Enromotoeicat anp Naturat History Society.—
April 9th, 1903.—Mr. E. Step, F.L.S., President, in the chair.—Mr. R.
Adkin exhibited a short series of Phigalia pedaria, bred from York
larve, and remarked particularly on the intensely black coloration
which has been developed in both sexes.—Mr. Turner, an example of
the var. trapezaria of Crocallis elinguaria from Brockley, and pointed
out the very dark central band, its distinguishing character. He also
showed a short series of Cleora glabraria from the New Forest, and
remarked that the species had recently been taken in North Devon by
Mr Tunaley.
April 23rd.—The President in the chair.—Mr. Harrison and Mr.
Main exhibited a long bred series of T@niocampa munda, from ova laid
by two females captured in 1902 in Epping Forest. The series ex-
hibited all the forms of the ground colour, from var. pallida and var.
grisea to an extreme form of var. rufa. Many were sprinkled with dark
scales asin 7’. pulverulenta. Most of the specimens were of the var.
geminatus with six well-developed black spots in the submarginal line.
—Mr. Turner, (1) specimens of Blabophanes imella and Litha ethiops ©
from Bonhill, Dumbartonshire ; (2) a series of Sitones griseus taken on
broom at Horsall Common by Mr. Kemp and himself; (8) living larve
and cases of the following Coleophorids :—C. geniste from Loughton,
C. caspititiella from Loughton, C. pyrrhulipennella from Woking, C. albi-
tarsella from Ashtead, and C. auricella from Locarno, the last-named
sent by Dr. Chapman.—Mr. Goulton, a variety of Noctua festiva with
the external half of the wing beyond the stigmata of a very deep chest-
nut-brown; and a variety of Plusia gamma having various red mark-
ings and darkenings, forming var. rufescens—Mr. West (Greenwich),
specimens of three species of Hemiptera from Box Hill, Corimelena
scarabaotdes, Tropidostethus holosericeus and Tettigometra impressopunctata.
—Mr. Carr, living larve and cases of a Psychid, Bacotia sepium, beaten
198 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
from fir in the New Forest.—Mr. Step, living specimens of the Coleo-
pteron Anthrenus museorum.—The Secretary had heard from various
members who were spending Kaster on the Continent. Dr. Chapman
had stated that at Locarno the weather was cold, but some twenty
species of butterflies were observed on April 20th. Mr. Sich had noted
Papilio podalirius as common near Lake Como. Mr. Tutt had had very
fine weather at Hyéres. Mr. Cant and Mr. McArthur reported having
seen a furze-chat hawking very successfully for Brephos parthenias.
May 14th. — The President in the chair.—Mr. Shakespeare, of
Kingston-on-Thames, was elected a member.—Dr. Chapman exhibited
a pair of Graellsia isabelle bred from larve found at Bronchales in
1901; a specimen of bark, from the Italian Riviera, closely set with
the helix-like cases of the Psychid Apterona crenulella, which was
locally abundant in 1902.—Mr. Carr, larve of Ellopia prosapiaria
(fasciaria) and Bryophila perla, from the New Forest.— Mr. Step,
photographs of Panolis piniperda and Tephrosia punctularia, in their
position of rest on tree-trunks._-Mr. West (Greenwich), three species
of somewhat uncommon Staphylinide : Mycetoporus angularis, among
dried leaves at Shirley; M. nanus, in moss, at Box Hill; and Pseudopsis
sulcata, in decayed vegetable matter at Oxshott.—Mr. Kirkaldy made
remarks on the maternal solicitude of female insects for their young,
and asked members to make observations on the subject during the
present season.—Mr. Turner called attention to an instance of birds
attacking butterflies, and asked the members to furnish the Society
with details of any cases which came under their notice. It was sug-
gested that members who were making photographs of scientific
objects should give the Society a print, so that an album could be
arranged to illustrate some line of study. The ova of the Lepidoptera
were very little known, and might form a good subject for investigation.
May 28th.—The President in the chair.—Mr. Lister, of Hasty,
Kent, was elected a member.—Dr. Chapman exhibited a female of
Fuchloé ewphenoides from Cannes, measuring 48 mm. in expanse,
80-42 mm. being the usual range.——-Mr. Turner, living larve and cases
of the following species of the genus Coleophora, and gave notes on
their habits and occurrence :—C. artemisiella, C. maritima, C. nigricella,
C. anatipenella, C. bicolorella C. ibipennella, and C. hemerobiella, He
had found a larva of C. nigricella on Smyrnium olusatrum at Benfleet.
At the last-named place he had found a solitary larva of Phorodesma
smaragdaria, and thought that the species would probably be extermi-
nated by the destruction of its food-plant in the extensive repairing of
the sea-walls.—Mr. Goulton, an example of the coleopteron Phytodecta
viminalis from Ranmore; it was stated to be common at Oxshott.-—Mr.
West, photographs taken during the Society’s field-meeting at Box
Hill._-Mr. Step, photographs, taken at the same meeting, of Hupithecia
exiguata and Melanippe fluctuata, showing their resting positions on
palings._-_Mr. Chapman noted that the latter species usually had its
head close to the next paling, and the body nearly horizontal.——-Mr.
Step read the report of the field-meeting at Box Hill on May 16th,
1908.—Hy. Turner, Hon. Report. Sec.
Birmincuam Entromonocican Socrery.—April 20th, 1908.—Mr. G. T.
Bethune-Baker, President, in the chair. — Mr. A. H. Martineau ex-
SOCIETIES. 199
hibited Xylocopa flavo-rufa and a species of Anthia taken by a friend
near to Bloemfontein.—Mr. G. W. Wynn, a small series of Lithosia
caniola, taken at sugar near Torcross, South Devon; and also two
Agrotis obelisca from the same place, taken in August last year; also
Euchloris (Phorodesma) pustulata (bajularia) from Knowle, and Melitea
aurinia, taken by himself at Sutton Park in 1884, and probably the
last specimen of the species taken so near to Birmingham. Mr.
Fountain said that the last-named species was taken much more
recently at Knowle, which, however, is not quite so near to Birming-
ham as Sutton. Mr. Fountain showed a series of Biston strataria
(prodromaria) reared from a pair taken in cop. at Chelmsley Wood last
year; he found that the best way to rear them without cripples was
to cover them with moss and keep it wringing wet; on former occa-
sions, when rearing the species, he had always had a large proportion
of cripples. Mr. Bethune-Baker expressed surprise at this, as he
reared a large brood once, and had no trouble with cripples; but
Messrs. Wynn and Wainwright said that in their experience cripples
were very frequent, not only in breeding-cages, but also in a state of
nature. They found more crippled than perfect, even in the woods.
Mr. Fountain also showed Teniocampa gracilis, bred from Karlswood
larve. — Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker exhibited a boxful of African
Lycenide, conspicuous by the absence of the normal blue colours ;
they were all from Sierra Leone, and included Liptena acrea. which
resembled an Acr@a.—Coxipran J. WatnweicHt, Hon. Sec.
LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE ENromotoaicaL Socimty. — April 20th,
1903.—Mr. Richard Wilding in the chair.—The Secretary announced
the following donations to the Library :—‘ The Flora of the Liverpool
District’ (with eight hundred drawings of the plants by Miss HK. M. Wood,
and twenty-one photographs of the neighbourhood by Dr. J. W. Ellis,
F.E.$.) edited by Dr. C. Theodore Green, F.L.S., presented by Dr. Ellis;
and ‘ Noteson the Large Copper (Chrysophanus dispar),’ by J. R. Charnley,
F.Z.S., F.E.S., from the author. Mr. William Webster, M.R.S.A.L.,
Vice-President, communicated a valuable paper on ‘ Entomological
Antiquities and Folklore of Insects,’ in which he dealt in an interesting
and exhaustive manner with a large number of the quaint sayings
and superstitions that have from time immemorial been associated
with many of our better known hexapods. ‘The period covered
extended from the earliest times to the present day, and was conve-
niently considered under headings of the various orders of insects as
at present constituted. A hearty vote of thanks having been accorded
the lecturer, the following exhibits were shown :—A specimen of the ex-
ceedingly rare lepidopteron Leucania flavicolor, with L. pallens and L.
straminea, by Mr. F. N. Pierce; Hydrophilus piceus from Wicken Fen,
October, 1902, by Mr. F. Birch; Attacus cynthia, A. atlas, A. promethea,
&c., reared from foreign pups, by Mr. J. J. Richardson; Periplaneta
americana from Manchester, February, 1903, by the Secretary, on
behalf of Mr. Ben. Jones ; British Coleoptera, including Harpalus
neglectus, Bembidium clarki, Ammacius brevis, &¢., from Birkdale ; Apho-
dius sordidus (Blackpool) and Bembidium argenteolum (Lough Neagh),
by Mr. R. Wilding; and a collection of British Dermaptera by Mr. E.
J.B. Sopp.—H. J. Bureuss Sopp, Hon. Secretary.
200 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
RECENT LITERATURE.
The Metamorphosis of Sisyra. By Maupr H. Antuony. [‘The American
Naturalist,’ August, 1902.] Ginn & Co., Boston, U.S.A.
In this excellent paper Miss Anthony has given an exhaustive life-
history of Sisyxa umbrata, Needham, a member of a somewhat obscure
genus belonging to the fam. Hemerobiide, of the sub-order Planipennia,
of the Linnean order Neuroptera. The larve of one of the British
species of the genus have been found abundantly living in freshwater
sponge (Spongilla fluviatilis). Miss Anthony finds that a freshwater
sponge is the food of S. wmbrata, and she says that ‘‘the food so
obtained is so pure as to be wholly absorbed, leaving no residuum.”
We are not, therefore, surprised to hear that at least one-fourth of the
posterior part of the stomach is atrophied, and that there is no opening
at that end. The larva is a silk-spinner, and ‘‘it seems probable that
the nitrogen waste of the body is used, partially at least, in the
manufacture of silk.’”’ In Britain we have three well distinguished
species of the genus—S. fuscata, S. terminalis, and S. dalii. It is to
be presumed that the life-history of these differs but little from that
of S. umbrata, and students of our Planipennia will therefore find this
paper with its eighteen excellent figures of great use. "
As J. GL.
The Butterflies and Moths of Europe. By W. F. Kirsy, ES. F.E.S.,
&e. Pp. i-Ixxii, 1-426. Plates, 54 coloured and 1 plain, with
many illustrations in the text. London: Cassell & Co., Ltd. 1908.
A revisEeD and extended edition of Mr. Kirby’s well-known book,
which was first produced by Messrs. Cassell in 1882. Since that date
many species have been added to the list of Huropean Lepidoptera,
and most of these—all, in fact, as regards butterflies and the larger
moths—have been included in the present volume. Species or forms
of European species peculiar to Madeira and the Canary Islands are
also referred to.
Arrangement and nomenclature remain pretty much as they were
in the first edition, and synonymy is only used where necessary to
avoid confusion.
In the earlier edition there were sixty-two plates; but on the fifty-
four in the present issue room has been found not only for all the
species previously figured, but for important additions thereto. These
figures are exceedingly accurate, and will be of the greatest assistance
to all who may consult the work for the purpose of identifying their
captures, more especially, perhaps, among British ‘‘ Macros.”’
Two plates are devoted to a selection of figures representing some
prominent species belonging to the different families embraced in the
“Micros.’”’ It is to be hoped that Mr. Kirby may be able to give us a
volume, on the plan of that now under notice, dealing entirely with
these sadly neglected groups of highly interesting moths. We feel
confident that it only requires the stimulus of such a book to awaken
a large amount of interest in the Micro-Lepidoptera of this country.
Entomologist, August, 1903. Plate III.
Fig. 2.
PLUSIA MONETA.
1. Larva. 2. Cocoon. 3. Imago.
(From photographs taken by H. W. Shepheard-Walwyn, F.Z.S., F.E.S.)
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vor. XXXVL1 AUGUST. 1903. [No. 488.
PLUSIA MONETA.
By H. W. Suepuearp-Watwyn, F.Z.S., F.E.S.
(Prate III.)
My annual visit to Bidborough in search of Plusia moneta
resulted in the discovery of nineteen cocoons and two larve.
The species appears to be more plentiful this season, as I only
managed to obtain six cocoons last year, after about three
hours’ search. The resting position of the perfect insect is most
striking (Plate III., fig. 3), as it hangs by its two front legs,
stretching them out to their fullest extent, in which attitude it
gives the impression of trying to push the stalk away from it.
I enclose photographs of a larva and a cocoon, as well as
one of the perfect insect.
Dalwhinnie, Kenley, Surrey.
URTICATING LARVAL HAIRS.
By EH. A. Cocxayne.
Muc# interested in the discussion about the irritating effects
of larval hairs, I have recently examined all the British species
I could procure. The commonest type of hair appears to be
that in which the central shaft bears spines directed away from
the base. They vary in length, thickness, and in the number
and shape of the spines. Hairs of this nature are possessed by
Porthesia auriflua, P. chrysorrhea, Spilosoma menthastri, S. lubri-
cipeda, S. mendica, Nemeophila plantaginis, Huthemonia russula,
Phragmatobia fuliginosa, Dasychira pudibunda, D. fascelina, Orgyia
antiqua, Psilura monacha, Acronycta menyanthidis, and A. myrice.
ENTOM.—AUGUST, 1903. R
202 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
In the case of the last three they are very slender, and probably
would not penetrate the skin. The short hairs behind the hump
in Acronycta tridens are similar, but the long hairs in this species,
and in A. psi and A. rumicis, are quite smooth. Apparently, in
the case of D. pudibunda, it is the tussock hairs which are most
harmful. These are very sharp and stiff, with extremely long
spines closely set. Orgyia antiqua possesses similar spines,
but they appear less strong, and probably their absence of
effect on Mr. Carter is due to this. In D. fascelina the spines
are much longer, but appear thinner, and stand out more from
the shaft.
The hairs in Arctia caia, A. villica, Acronycta aceris, and
Malacosoma neustria are alike in possessing a small swelling just
before the hair terminates in its sharp point. In the first three
there are small sharp spines directed forwards. M. neustria,
however, has a very few minute spines with wide bases directed
at right angles to the shaft. In all these insects, if the hair
punctured and broke off, it would with difficulty be extracted,
but they do not appear to possess much penetrating power.
Most interesting, however, were the hairs of Porthesia auriflua.
I shook a cocoon of this species on to a slide, and found numbers
of extremely minute hairs. They were very fine and short, and
under a high power of the microscope showed very close set lines
of backwardly directed short spines or barbs. ‘he base in all
cases terminated in two larger divergent curved spines. In the
larva these hairs exist in a thick tuft on the fifth segment, and
are easily pulled out. Apparently the evil effects of P. auriflua
are due to these, and not to the long hairs. I could only obtain
one cocoon of P. chrysorrhea, and this appeared almost free from _
hairs, the few present being typical long spiny ones.
The long hairs in Lasiocampa quercus, L. rubi, and Odonestis
potatoria are quite smooth. The small hairs, however, though
appearing smooth under low power, were found to be studded
with rows of minute backwardly directed spines. In the cocoon
these stand out, and with their stiffness and sharp point readily
penetrate the finger. ‘Though all these hairs are apparently
hollow, they are generally full of air-bubbles, and there is no
visible exit for any poison which might be secreted. Since they
are equally virulent in the cocoon, this explanation of their
action seems unlikely to be correct. And though the different
effects of the hairs on Mr. Carter and others seem to point to a
specific poisonous action, the hairs are chitinous, and chitin is a
harmiess body.
The rapidity of the action, also, is difficult to explain on any
other grounds. ‘The larve possessing smooth hairs, such as
some Acronyctas, Leucoma salicis, Saturnia carpini, and Pacilo-
campa populi appear to be harmless to any skin, however sus-
ceptible. In the spiny haired larve the detachability of the
SPECIFIC IDENTITY OF LUCINIA TORREBIA. 2038
hairs must be an important factor, but, on the whole, those with
strongest and sharpest spines seem to be most active. If the
result be due simply to the hair penetrating the skin and then
working into the deeper layers and setting up irritation there,
hairs of Acronycta aceris should have similar effect to those of
Arctia catia. Unfortunately my own skin is not sufficiently sus-
ceptible to test this point. The only hairs which have any effect
on me are those of Lastocampa quercus, L. rubi, and O. potatoria,
which certainly act by piercing the skin and working in by means
of the barbs. Irritation is slow in coming on, but lumps are
raised which do not disappear for nearly a fortnight.
If, however, the symptoms are not due to purely mechanical
causes, it certainly seems curious that the degree of virulence
so closely corresponds with what would be expected from their
structure.
THE SPECIFIC IDENTITY OF LUCINIA TORREBIA, Men.
By Percy I. Latuy, F.Z.S., F.E.S.
Krrey, in his ‘Synonymic Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera,’
p. 218, gives Haiti as the locality of Lucinia sida, Hubn., and
places L. torrebia, Men., as a synonym of Hubner’s species.
I find, however, that specimens from Cuba agree with Hubner’s
figures of L. sida, and that the Lucinia from Haiti, which was
described by Ménétries, Bull. Mose. 1832, p. 310, n. 37, is distinct
from the Cuban form, consequently the name torrebia will stand
for the Haitan Lucinia.
L. torrebia may be separated from L. sida by the following
characters :—The irregular median black band of the fore wing
above is only slightly broken, in L. sida the break is the width
of the space between middle and lower median nervules; the black
band from costa to outer margin is very wide where it joins
margin, in L. sida it is extremely narrow; the antemedial brown
band of the hind wing below is more irregular, and the white
area more extended; but it is in the metallic blue-green spots of
the hind wing below that the chief difference is exhibited; in
L. torrebia the upper series is composed of three almost equal
sized spots, with occasionally a fourth minute one; in L. sida
the central spot is very much larger than the others, and the
spots of the lower series are considerably larger than the cor-
responding ones in L. torrebia.
R 2
204 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
ON SOME GEOMETRIDES COLLECTED BY PAYMASTER-
IN-CHIEF GERVASE F. MATHEW, R.N., ON THE
MEDITERRANEAN, &c.
By Louis B. Prout, F.E.S.
My kind correspondent, Mr. Gervase F. Mathew, having most
generously enriched my collection with a number of interesting
Geometrides collected by himself at various times in the above-
named (to us not too well known) region, I have thought it would
be of interest to publish a note on them in the pages of the
‘Entomologist’; the more so as at least one of the records is
faunistically new, while I strongly suspect several of the others
to be so likewise. I shall arrange the species according to their
localities, making notes on the forms where needful.
Vico (July, 1886).—Acidalia ochrata, Scop., male; A. interjectaria,
Bdv. (fuscovenosa, Goeze), dark ; Rhodostrophia vibicaria, Cl., three
males, all of the frequent southern aberration strigata, Stgr., one
female of the (more beautiful) type form, with broad rosy band,—all
four specimens rather small compared with those which I have from
Cuenca, Tragacete, and Piedrahita; Pseudoterpna coronillaria, Hb.,
two; Hmaturga atomaria, L., a large male with the ground colour bright,
and the markings strong ; Rhoptria (Gnophos!, Stgr. Cat.) asperaria,
Hb., one example, belonging to the unicolorous ab. pityata, Rbr.
Lisson.—Acidalia newata, Hb., and Larentia malvata, Rbr., one of
each ; neither is included in Santos’ (very meagre) Lisbon list (Jorn.
Acad. Sei. Lisbon, tom. x.), but 4. newata is recorded as Portuguese in
Staudinger’s ‘Catalog,’ and our national collection has some nice
Lisbon examples collected by Eaton.
GipraLtar.—Thamnonoma spodiaria, Lef. = semicanaria, Frr., Stgr.
Cat., one specimen.
Nice (April, 1897). — Camptogramma bilineata, L., a rather large
specimen, glossy, and of a peculiar tint, the dark lines faint ; Minoa
murinata, Scop., two, both of the typical brown-grey continental form ;*
Larentia riguata, Hb., two, rather strongly marked.
ALGHERO, SarDintA.—Acidalia imitaria, Hb., a rather small male,
May 27th, 1898.
Matta.—Larentia fluctuata, female, dated March 8rd, 1897; an ex-
tremely interesting aberration, the markings being all excessively weak,
notwithstanding that the specimen is in immaculately perfect con-
dition; Hupithecia pumilata, Hb., two, bred in January, 1898; Rhodo-
metra (Sterrha, H.-8., nec Hb.) sacraria, L., a good male, April 19th,
1898 ; Acidalia virgularia, Hb., male, pale form (=var. australis, Z.),
May, 1898 (is this not rather early for ‘‘gen. est.’’?) ; Aspilates
ochrearia, Rossi, male; Anaitis plagiata, L., three, one (March, 1897)
being of medium size, the other two (October, 1897, and May, 1898)
* Our British forms, though varying locally, are almost all intermediate
between this type and the ochraceous var. monochroaria, H.-S., and probably
deserve a varietal name.
GEOMETRIDES COLLECTED ON THE MEDITERRANEAN. 205
small, so that the size is hardly correlated with the epoch of appear-
ance.
Ancona (Aug. 25th, 1897).—Acidalia rubiginata, Hfn., A. subseri-
ceata, Hw., and A. emutaria, Hb. (small); one specimen of each.
TRIESTE.—Minoa murinata, one example, rather worn, but unmis-
takably referable to the interesting blackish var. (et ab.) cyparissaria, Mn.
TurKEy (1878, mostly, I understand, from the neighbourhood of
Gallipoli).—Acidalia ochrata, Scop., three ; A. rufaria, Hb., four; A.
turbidaria, H.-§., five; B. subsericeata, Hw., one; A. sodaliaria, H.-S.,
one; Zonosoma pupillaria, Hb., two; Larentia riguata, Hb., one;
Gnophos sartata, Tr., two large females; G. stevenaria, B., male;
Phasiane giarearia, Schiff., male. Some of these species are new to
my collection, and all are very welcome, as I had previously no Turkish
material at all; apparently not many specimens of the eastern Gnophos
stevenaria find their way into our British collections—at any rate, that
at the British Museum contains only one poor example of it.
Corru.—Acidalia elongaria, Rbr., one, dated Sept. 24th, 1897 ; and
three nice specimens of the interesting little Hilicrinia trinotata, Metz-
ner, all dated Aug. 11th, 1897.
PratEa.—Oulobophora (Stgr. olim= Lobophora, Stgr. Cat.) internata,
Piing. = macedonica, Stgr. A lovely male of this very interesting and
recently (1888) erected species, taken on March 8th, 1898 ; the locality
seems to be new, as Piingeler and Staudinger only record it from Asia
Minor (one male) and Macedonia. Staudinger, in describing this
species (as macedonica, vide ‘Iris,’ v. p. 219, pl. i. fig. 19), proposed
the generic name of Oulobophora for it and externata, H.-§S., chiefly
on account of the absence of the ‘‘lobes’’ in the male; authori-
ties are divided as to the legitimacy of employing secondary sexual
characters for the separation of genera, but the superficial aspect of
the species in question strongly suggests that they are not very close
to the true Lobophoras, &c., and I quite expect that further study will
reveal fully sufficient characters to justify the retention of ‘“ Oulobo-
phora”’ as a valid genus.
Aruens (July, 1898). — Acidalia marginepunctata, Goeze, male,
rather pale ; Rhodometra (Sterrha) anthophilaria, Hb., a long and inter-
esting series (eleven males, five females) of the var. (or subspecies)*
rosearta, Tr., varying much inter se—ten are predominantly rosy, six
yellow.
Crete.—A worn Acidalia, without precise locality, taken in May,
1897, ? sodaliaria, H.-S. Also from Canea (June, 1897) :—Acidalia
ochrata, Scop., ten; A. consanguinaria, Led., four ; A. consolidata, Led.,
female, worn; 4A. politata, Hb., one, of the ab. abmarginata, Bhtsch. ;
A. imitaria, Hb., one, of the aberration with light ground colour; A.
ornata, Scop., two, male and female; Rhodometra sacraria, L., two
males; Anaitis plagiata, three ; Camptogramma bilineata, L., a pretty
aberration. And from Suda (June 16th, 1897) :—dcidalia ochrata,
Scop., six; and two doubtful little Acidalias, one apparently A. elong-
arta, Rbr.
* I have no right to a definite opinion, but I strongly suspect that
Treitschke, Guenée, and others were right in making this a species, and that
Staudinger’s query “sp. propria?” should be answered in the affirmative,
2.06 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Cyprus.—One Acidalia (October, 1890), which I have not yet suc-
ceeded in determining.
Marmarice, Coast or Syria.—Zonosoma pupillaria, Hb., two, one’
closely approximating to ab. nolaria, Hb.
There are in all about thirty-nine species represented, about
one-half of them being good local southern species ; one belongs
to the Geometride (sens. str.) ; about twenty to the Acidaliide
(eighteen to Staudinger’s great genus Acidalia) ; ten to the
Larentiide ; and only eight to the large family Boarmiide.
NOTES ON THE BEE-GENUS AALICTUS.
By T. D. A. CockEReELu.
In the ‘Canadian Entomologist,’ September, 1902, Mr. Charles
Robertson gives a synopsis of the Halictine found in the vicinity
of Carlinville, Illinois. In this work the old genus Halictus is
divided into Halictus, Latr., Lasioglossum, Curtis, Hvyleus, Rob.,
Dialictus, Rob., Chloralictus, Rob., and Paralictus, Rob. One’s
natural wish is to accept these genera, as Halictus, in the broad
sense, contains so many species; but, if they are valid, they
should remain distinguishable when all the known forms are
considered. In order to test the validity of some of the charac-
ters used by Robertson, I have examined a number of American
and European species, the latter received through the kindness
of Mr. H. Friese.
A character given for Lasioglossum by Mr. Robertson is “‘ hind
spur [of hind tibia] finely serrate’ in the females. Unfortunately
H. xanthopus, Kirby, the type of Lasioglossum, has this spur
pectinate with four large blunt teeth, and several little ones.
However, Lasioglossum is ordinarily easily distinguished from
Halictus proper (as represented by H. scabiose in Kurope, or
H. lerovxit in America) by the short third submarginal cell, the
outer margin of which is gently curved. In typical Halictus this
cellis considerably produced, the outer margin showing a distinct
double curve. Using this character of the venation, the following
clearly belong to Halictus proper :—
AMERICAN. HUROPEAN.
lerouxu, ligatus, scabiose, cariniventris,
parallelus, and fasciatus, virescens, maculatus,
cited by Robertson. patellatus, tetrazonius.
H. patellatus, Mar. (a large black species with banded abdo-
men) has the hind spur of hind tibia of female with few large
teeth. H. virescens, Lep., collected by Friese at Bozen, Tirol,
April 30th, 1898, is a beautiful insect, bright olive-green, with
continuous ochreous hair-bands on abdomen; it has the third
NOTES ON THE BEE-GENUS HALICTUS. 207
submarginal cell of the long type, but shorter than usual; the
spur has few large teeth. This insect is clearly related to H.
fasciatus. H. cariniventris, Mar., from Buda, 29th May, 1886, is
a green species, with the abdomen covered with ochreous hair as
in various American Anthophorids ; the third submarginal cell is
quite of the long type, though not very long. In H. scabiose and
H. maculatus the teeth of the spur are short and triangular, so
that the spur becomes coarsely serrate, just as in the American
species referred to Lasioglossum (Robertson says for these “finely
serrate,” but under a high power it appears coarse enough).
Robertson not only separates the species with a short third
submarginal from Halictus, but divides these into several groups,
of which Lasioglossum, Hvyleus, and Choralictus occur in Kurope
as well as America.
Lasioglossum, as thus restricted, includes comparatively large
black species with abdominal hair-bands; species re-
sembling Halictus proper except in the venation.
Evyleus and Chloralictus are ordinarily smaller, the abdomen
commonly pubescent or pruinose, but not exhibiting
definite hair-bands, and the second transverso-cubital
nervure is more or less weak. The last character, on which
Robertson lays stress, seems to me of doubtful value. The
only difference between Hvyleus and Chloralictus is that
the former is black, the latter green or blue, or at least
partly so.
If all these characters are held to be generic, we need more
generic names. Thus, using the colour and spur, Halictus pro-
per may be divided thus :—
(1.) Colour green; spur pectinate—e. g. virescens.
(2.) Colour black; spur pectinate—e. g¢. patellatus.
(3.) Colour black; spur serrate—e. g. scabiose.
Again, Lasioglossum divides thus :—
(1.) Colour black ; spur pectinate—e. g. xanthopus.
(2.) Colour black; spur serrate—e. g. coriaceus.
Even the character of the third submarginal cell fails us, as
witness the following species :—
H. fasciatellus, Schenck, has the third submarginal between
the long and short types, a slight double curve on outer
margin.
H. levigatus, Kirby, has a very large third submarginal, with
a faint indication of a double curve, but its general shape is
more as in Lasioglossum. .The spur has numerous short
strong teeth.
H. zonulus, Smith, has the third submarginal very large,
twice as broad below as the second, but its outer margin
is regularly and gently areuate. The spur is minutely
but distinctly beaded.
208 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
H. olympie Ckll., has a very large second submarginal, so
that the third, though large, is not much bigger. Spur
coarsely serrate.
H. olympie subangustus, Ckll., has the third submarginal es-
sentially of the short type, but there is more or less of a
double curve. Spur serrate.
H. kincaidii, Ckll., has a strong double curve, but third sub-
marginal hardly of the long type. Spur with few long teeth.
H. angustior, Ckll., has the third submarginal essentially of
the narrow type, but almost or quite twice as large as the
small second submarginal. Spur with about four oblique
teeth, the first quite long.
The following species (not including those enumerated by
Robertson) have the third submarginal undoubtedly as in Lasio-
glossum :—
AMERICAN. KUROPEAN.
pacificus, Ckll. vulpinus, Nyl.
sisymbrit, Ckll. major, Nyl.
similis, Smith. malachurus, Kirby.
politus, Smith (Mexico). Jlewcozonius, Schrank (but cell very
calceatus, Scop. (large).
Certain of these, as H. pacificus, sisymbrit, leucozonius, and
calceatus, have the spur coarsely serrate as in H. coriaceus.
H. politus, which looks much like these, has the spur with numer-
ous moderately long teeth. H. similis has the spur with about
four short oblique slender teeth.
The greatest reduction of spur-teeth I have seen results in
the hind edge of the spur being apparently simple, but a high
power lens shows it to be minutely beaded. ‘This occurs in the
American H. amicus, Ckll., and the European H. zonulus, Smith.
Halictus (Lucasius) cochlearcitarsis, Dours, has the third sub-
marginal long, but there is hardly any double curve, and the
angle is slightly appendiculate. This is a large black species
with continuous hair-bands on abdomen; spur with teeth quite
large towards the base, otherwise minute.
Nomioides is a genus of little bees with nearly the structure of
Halictus, but all the form and colours of Perdita. N. variegatus,
Oliv., and N. pulchellus, Schenck, have the third submarginal
short, but slightly angled outwardly, and minutely appendiculate.
Ashmead is wrong in treating Lucasius as a synonym of Nomioides,
as Mr. Vachal has pointed out to me.
Mr. Vachal writes me that Thrinchostoma, Sauss., ‘is an
Halictus, with the tongue longer than in Hatlictus s. str., and
bodkin- shaped. The name of Saussure’s genus is wrongly spelled
by Dalla Torre and Ashmead.
East Las Vegas, New Mexico, U.S.A.:
May 9th, 1903.
209
DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW SPECIES AND A NEW
GENUS OF CHRYSOMELIDA FROM SOUTH AMERICA.
By Martin Jacosy.
(Concluded from p. 183.)
Frenals, gen. n. (Humolpide).
Body elongate, glabrous, antenne filiform, the intermediate joints
slightly widened; eyes globular, entire; thorax transversely subquadrate,
the sides entire; elytra wider than the thorax, rugosely punctured ;
tibie not emarginate; claws appendiculate; the prosternum deeply
bilobed ; the anterior margin of the thoracic episternum concave.
The genus here proposed will form part of the group Chalco-
phanine, on account of the bilobed prosternum; it seems most
nearly allied to Agrosterna, Har., but differs entirely in its general
shape and that of the thorax. Von Harold gives the shape of
his genus as that resembling Noda and [phimeis, which represents
an ovate and convex form; in the genus here described the shape
is that of Colaspis and allied genera, and the thorax is of equal
width, neither narrowed nor deflexed, but transverse and sub-
quadrate, which character separates it also from Chalcophana
and the other genera of the group.
FRENAIS PERUANA, Sp. 0.
Dark bluish black; the thorax distinctly but irregularly punctured;
elytra .greenish-cupreous, very closely and strongly punctured, the
interstices at the sides finely rugose. Length 7 mill.
Hab. Marcapata, Peru.
Head sparingly punctured, metallic bluish, with a rather deep de- |
pression between the eyes; the latter prominent, round; the anterior
margin of the clypeus and the labrum fulvous; antenne very long,
bluish black, the apex of the lower two joints fulvous, second one very
short, third and following joints nearly equal, the intermediate joints
slightly widened (male); thorax transverse, the sides feebly rounded,
the angles acute, slightly tuberculiform, the surface but slightly convex,
metallic bluish, irregularly and not very closely punctured, the punctures
of unequal size; scutellum dark purplish, subelongate ; elytra greenish
cupreous, extremely closely punctured, the punctures round and deep,
the interstices rugose except near the suture where the punctures are
somewhat regularly arranged in rows; under side and legs bluish black.
A single male specimen is contained in my collection in
which the anterior tarsi are as usual dilated.
Tirup@a (ANOM@A) INSULARIS, sp. N.
Testaceous, antenne extending to the base of the thorax, the latter
impunctate, elytra elongate, not perceptibly punctured, legs slender.
Length 6 mill,
Hab. Isle of Trinidad.
210 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
?. Head produced, entirely impunctate, the vertex swollen and
shining; the clypeus separated from the face by a feeble triangular
groove, its anterior margin triangularly emarginate; apex of the man-
dibles black; eyes large, oval, nearly entire; antenne very long for the
genus, entirely testaceous, joints two and three very short, the following
slightly triangularly widened ; thorax strongly transverse, the posterior
margin nearly straight, almost without median lobe, the posterior angles
rounded, the surface entirely impunctate; scutellum broad at the base,
the apex pointed and slightly carinate ; elytra distinctly lobed below the
shoulders, impunctate or with a few minute punctures at the base;
the humeral callus sometimes with a small obscure piceous spot; legs
elongate, the first joint of the tarsi about one-half longer than the
second.
This is the first species of the genus recorded from any other
part of the New World than Mexico; from the latter country
three species are known. The Trinidad insect is much distin-
guished by the comparatively long antenne, which extend quite
to the base of the thorax, and have their joints much less trans-
verse and serrate than in most other species of Clythride. I
unfortunately know only the female; the male differs probably in
having elongate anterior legs and tarsi. I received the specimens
with a small lot of Phytophaga from the same locality.
OTILEA PERUANA, Sp. 0.
Bright metallic green or blue below, above dark seneous or green ;
antenne black, the base fulvous; thorax confluently rugose at the sides
and angulate; elytra deeply foveolate punctate-striate near the suture,
confluently rugose at the sides, the interstices longitudinally costate.
Length 8-9 mill.
Hab. Marcapata, Peru.
?. Head closely rugose punctate, the intraocular space longitudin-
ally sulcate; eyes large, epistome strongly punctured at the base, smooth
anteriorly; antenne bluish black, the lower three joints more or less
fulvous; thorax short and strongly transverse, the lateral margins dis-
tinctly angulate at the middle and to a smaller degree before and below
the latter, the middle of the dise deeply foveolate punctate, the inter-
stices convex, the sides more crowded and confluently rugose punctate;
scutellum smooth ; elytra with single rows of very deep punctures near
the suture, irregularly confluently punctate at the sides, the interstices
longitudinally costate; femora metallic bluish or green; the tibiz and
tarsi purplish blue.
I would have referred this species to O. amazonica, Lef. (C.
Rend. Ent. Soc. Belg. 1891) but for the following differences :—
Lefevre describes his species with the epistome smooth, and the
elytra subgeminate punctate, also of greenish eneous colour; in
the two specimens before me the under side of one is bright green,
the other blue; in the green specimen, the elytral cost are
purplish, in the other, the interior of the punctures is golden.
THE YOUNG LARVA OF LIPHYRA BRASSOLIS. 211
Lefevre’s species was also obtained in another region. The
author makes likewise no mention of the sex of his species; the
elytral costz are often to be found in the female only, the male
may be of quite different sculpturing.
ALTERATION oF A GENERIC Name.—The generic name Micro-
pyga, described in the ‘ Entomologist,’ p. 92, having been pre-
viously employed, I therefore alter it to Clythropsis.—M. Jacopy.
THE YOUNG LARVA OF LIPHYRA BRASSOLIS, Wesrtw.
By F. P. Dopp.
Re Dr. Chapman’s article in the April number. I cannot
understand why Dr. Chapman writes that ‘‘it appears that there
is no immediate chance of the problem being cleared up.” I
beg to state that there is no problem to be solved and never was,
and that in my correspondence with Dr. Chapman I am unaware
that I ever gave him any reason to assume that there was a
problem in the matter. When his description of L. brassolis
larva appeared, my surprise was very great indeed to observe
that he was dealing with another insect altogether in his opening
remarks! Iat once guessed that I had, through carelessness,
allowed a moth larva, from the same bottle in which I kept L.
brassolis, to slip unperceived into the one I sent to Mr. South ;
still, it is beyond my comprehension how this could possibly be
taken for the young larva of the butterfly, for every segment is,
to the naked eye, remarkably clearly defined, whilst I believe it
would puzzle many to discern the segments of even a one-third
grown brassolis with the aid of a strong lens. As to the small
moth caterpillar having Lycenid characteristics, I cannot venture
to express an opinion; still, the statement that it has is most
interesting news to me, for many species of ‘‘ blue” larve have
come under my observation. Had Dr. Chapman deigned to read
my few remarks upon the larve, he would have observed that
the little things from the eggs were stated to be oval and flat,
and that large examples were lozenge-shaped, &c. I believe my
letter to Mr. South stated that I was forwarding two sizes of
larve, and I think this was also mentioned in my paper. (I
cannot refer to this, or Dr. Chapman’s descriptions, as they and
sundry ‘Kntomologists,’ &c., were blown away in our terrific
cyclone of 9th March.) With the exception of the three furrowed
lines upon the upper surface of the large caterpillars, there is
no sign of segmental divisions, therefore what a change in a
Lycenid larva! can any entomologist furnish us with one so
extraordinary ? From a very soft, fleshy, clearly segmented,
212 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
and rather square larva in the young stages, to a smooth, oval,
leathery-looking creature in the later stages, with nearly three
lines to indicate some of the segments! Dr. Chapman mentions
in this April contribution of his that Queensland ‘‘ may have
surprises in store for us.” Yes, Queensland has, but none so
wonderful, I fear, as his LZ. brassolis larval changes. Has he
not, though usually so very particular as to details, been a trifle
careless, in more ways than one, in connection with his L.
brassolis notes? If not, why does he persist in ignoring, in my
correspondence with him, that the two species of young moth
larve [ refer to are obtained from a RED (large type, please, Mr.
Printer) ants’ nest in the ground, not from the nests of the green
ants in the trees.
I do not know where these moths can be placed ; one species
is puzzling to more than one Australian entomologist, and to
Dr. Chapman as well. If one is a Lycenid, both are; or if one
is, according to Dr. Chapman, ‘‘not very distantly related to
Tinea,” then they both must be, for they are wonderfully alike
in all their stages. Certainly, until the past week or two, I knew
nothing of the round-segmented larva, except that it came from
the same species of red ants’ nests, but not in company with the
larva with pointed segments; so, after receiving a card from
Dr. Chapman stating that he was sending further notes to the
‘Entomologist,’ I very carefully overhauled the moths I had,
and have found that all along I have had two species instead of
one; then I examined the queer cocoons with protruding pupe,
and found them to be slightly different in size, shape, and colour.
The dates and localities further assisted me, so that it is quite
plain that I now have the moth I wished for; several I have had
for nearly two years. When the moths, pups, cocoons, and larvee
are exhibited side by side, entomologists will understand why
one could be deceived when only one species had been bred from
the larve. However, I had ample grounds for ‘‘surmising”’ that
Dr. Chapman’s larva was that of a moth: I need not specify
them here.
I very much regret my carelessness in the beginning, which
has been the means of leading Dr. Chapman astray (certainly he
had a very strange larva to deal with), and I have done my best to
correct the error. I may add that I am very weary of the subject.
Finally, I ‘‘ surmise” that when the young L. brassolis
larve are found, they will very much resemble the full-grown
specimens.
Mitchell St., Townsville.
N.B.—This poor little larva, which has caused so much
trouble, lost all colour through immersion in a two per cent.
formalin solution. Its colour should have been bright orange ;
smaller examples are pink or reddish.
213
ON THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE GENERA OF THE
RHYNCHOTA; HETEROPTERA AND AUCHENOR-
RHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA.
By G. W. Kirxatpy, F.E.S.
(Continued from vol. xxxiv. p. 219.)
1835.1 SerRvitLE in Boisduval, Voy. Astrolabe, ii. 640. (3)
Dysdercus.
1835. Bruuus, Hist. Nat. Ins. ix. 231-415. (y) Holotrichwus,
1835, t. tenebrosus ; Pseudophlocus, 1885, t. fallent ; Hypselonotus,
1833, t. venosus (—fulvus, De Geer) ; Augocoris, 1835, t. gomesu.
(0) Meropachys, 1882.
1836. Herricu-Scuarrer, Wanz. Ins. iii. (Febr.), 17-34. (/3)
Lyctocoris. (y) Pachycoris, 1835, t. fabricii (= torridus). (9)
[Acrocoris, nec descr.}; (July), 59-90. (y) Dinocoris, 1885, t.
annulatus (= macraspis). Gurmar, Rev. Ent. iv. 71-38. (a)
Thiasia t. brunnipennis ; Coloborrhis t. corticina. Curtis, Brit.
Ent. (Sept.), 612. («) Rhyparochromus t. chiragra.~
1837. Firper, Weitenweber’s Beitr. Natur. Heilk. i, 837-
58. (a) Ischnodemus t. quadratus (= sabuleti). ({3) Oxycarenus
(n.n. for Stenogaster], Phygast* [n.n. for Heterogaster, 1829].
W. Kirsy, Faun. Bor. Amer. iv. 275-85. (a) Neottiglossa
t. trilineata (= undata); Reduviolus +t. inscriptus ; Chiro-
leptes t. raptor (=serripes); Nabicula [= HReduviolus| t. sub-
coleoptrata. EiversMANN, Bull. Soc. Nat. Moscou, 33-9. (a)
Hipporhynchus t. bifasciatus. Horr [now usually ascribed to
Westwoodj, Cat. Hem. Hope, 1-46. (a) Hoplistodera, ‘‘ Westw.,”
t. testacea ; Aplosterna, ‘‘ Hope,” t. virescens; Rhynchocoris,
‘‘ Westw.,” t. hamata (= humeralis) ; Urolabida, ‘‘ Westw.,”’ t.
tenera. ({3) Lyramorpha, ‘‘ Hope”; Urostylis, ‘‘ Westw.” (?)
Plataspis, n.n. for Platycephala, 1832 [=Brachyplatys, 1835].
Westwoop, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. ii. 18-24. (a) Humetopia t.
fissiceps ; Oncoscelis t. australasie ; Cyclogaster? t. pallidus ; Hu-
cerocoris t. nigriceps ; Enicocephalus t. flavicollis. Newman, Ent.
Mag. v. 899. (a) Bruchomorpha t. oculata. _Sprinota, Essai
Hém. Hétér. 1-388. (a) Anisops t. nivea (=productus) ; Hmeso-
dema® t. domestica ; Cymbidus* t. versicolor ; Sirthenea t. carina- -
tus; Hiranetis t. membranacea ; Macrocerea t. grandis ; Sacco-
deres t. sexfoveolatus (=inflatus) ; Sthienera® t. angulosus ; Cory-
nomerus [=Merocoris, Perty] t. elevatus ; Plaxiscelis t. fusca;
1 Date of publication doubtful, possibly after 1840.
18 Preoce. Treitsch. 1833.
2 Preoce. Macquart, 1834.
3 Homot. Ploiaria, 1786.
4 Homot. Cumbus, 18382.
5 Homot. Harpactor, 1832.
214 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Nyttum t. limbatum; Coryzoplatus t. pallens (=rhomboideus) ;
Catoplatus t. costata (= fabricit) ; Serenthia t. atricapilla ; The-
raneis t. vittata; Resthenia t. scutata; Byrsoptera t. erythro-
cephala (= rufifrons) ; Vulsirea tt. ancora and nigrorubra (both
=violacea) ; Sethenira t. testacea ; Clavigralla t. gibbosa ; Cymo-
dema t. tabida; Micropus® t. genet; Henestaris t. genet (= lati-
ceps) ; Niesthrea t. side ; Serinetha [=Leptocoris, 1833] t. rufus
(= abdominalis) ; Lyg@osoma t. sardea; Arocatus t. melano-
cephalus ; Sympiezorhincus t. tristis ; Macropygium t. atrum (=
reticulare) ; Chlorocoris t. taw (= complanatus) ; Erthesina t.
mucorea (= fullo) ; Ochlerus t. cinctus (= marginatus) ; Schyzops
t. egyptiaca ; Dichelops t. punctatus ; Spongopodium [= Aspon-
gopus] t. obscurum; Phyllocheirus’ t. servillei ; Dyroderes t. um-
braculatus ; Epipedus t. histrio; Arocera t. aurantiaca (= acro-
leuca) ; Proxys t. victor ; Agonoscelis t. indica (=nubila) ; Heter-
opus® +. lefebvrei; Cataulax t. macraspis (= exvmius) ; Cata-
canthus t. nigripes (=incarnatus, Drury) ; Coryzorhaphis t. leuco-
cephala; Elvisura t. irrorata. ([3) Enithares, Heniartes, Verlusia,
Derephysia, Artheneis, Apodiphus, Arvelius, Oplomus, Stiretrosoma
[= Stiretrus|, Solenosthedium. (vy) Physomerus, 1835, t. lineati-
collis (= phyllocheirus) ; Gonocerus [recte Gonocere] , 1825, t. in-
sidiator ; Largus, 1835, t. humilis ; Dinidor, 1829, t. amethystina.
(0) Diplonycha, 1832; Spharodema, 18382; Myctis, 1814; Dycti-
onota, 18382; Phytocoryza, 1814; Huriophtalmus, 1882; Coreo-
coris, 1834; Hyloris tor Xylocoris, 1881; Nageus, 1832; Cory-
zus, 1814; Leptocoryza, 1825; Lygeus, 1794; Tetira, 1803.
1838. Curtis, Brit. Ent. (Sept.), 709. (a) Harpocera t. bur-
meistert (= thoracica). BurMEIstER, Gen. Ins. i.3-20. («#) Pedi-
opsis t. tilie. (3) Oncopsis, Athysanus, Deltocephalus, Platy-
metopius.
1839. Burmeister, Handb. 11. 1010-13. (a) Stenocoris® t.
tipuloides. G. R. Waternouss, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. ii. 194-5.
(a) Alleloplasis t. darwintit. Gurmar, Zeitschr. Ent. i. 1-146.
(3) Alphocoris, Phimodera, Psacasta, Calliphara, Cceloglossa.
(y) Discocera, 1882, t. ochrocyanea. (3) Arctocoris, unnecessary
alteration for Ursocoris, 1834. Grrmar, l.c. 187-92. (a) Xero-
phlea t. grisea. (3) Clastoptera, Phyllosceis. Grrmar, Verh.
Leop. Akad. Naturf. xix. 203. Ditomoptera t. dubia®*>~ Sprnona,
Rev. Zool. 199-206. (a) Phrictus t. diadema; Euchophora t.
recurva ; Pyrops t. candelaria; Episcius t. guerint ; Dilobura t.
corticina ; Omalocephala t. festiva; Calyptoproctus t. lystroides ;
Plegmatoptera t. prasina ; Dichoptera t. hyalinata ; Monopsis t.
tabida ; Elidiptera t. callosa; Cladodiptera t. macrophthalma
6 Preocc. Meyer, 1810=Ischnodemus, 1836.
7 Homot. Heteroscelis, 1829.
8 Preoce. Pal. Beauv. 1805.
9 Homot. Myodocha, 1807.
94 Now regarded as a coleopteron.
NOMENCLATURE OF THE RHYNCHOTA, ETC. 215
Plectoderes t. collaris; Ara@opus t. crassicornis ; Mycterodus t.
nasutus ; Ommatidiotus t. dissimilis ; Lophops t. servillei ; Hlas-
moscelis t. cimicoides ; Acanalonia t. servillei. (0) Achilius, 1818.
Herricu-ScuarrEr, Wanz. Ins. v. (Sept.), 41-60. (y) Celo-
glossa, 1839,1° t. lyncea. Sprrnona, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, Vill.
133-337, and 339-454. (0) Hnchophora, 1839. A. Wurrn, Mag.
Nat. Hist. n.s. iii. 537-48. (a) Coleotichus t. costatus ; Cal-
prepes [= Urolabida} t. grayii; Corimelena [== Thyreocoris,
1801] +. lateralis. ([3) Derepteryx. Wxsrwoop, Introd. Mod.
Class. Ins. Synops. 115-24. (a) Acalypta t. carinata, Gas-
trodes t. abietis; Plinthisus t. brevipennis. ({3) Pilophorus*? ;
Polymerus ;12 Pachybrachius. (y) Pseudophana, 1835, t. ewropea ;*%
Delphax, 1798,1* t. clavicornis ; Cyllecoris, 1834, t. agilis ; Phyto-
coris, 1814, t. populi ; Anthocoris, 1814, t. nemorum, Linn. ; Areno-
coris,15 1834, t. literatus (=falleni) ; Rhopalus, 1829, t. capr-
tatus ; Bellocoris,1® 1835, t. maurus; Piesma, 1825, t. capitata.
Macropsis, 1834, t. virescens; Lygus, 18338, t. corylt. (0) Urtocoris
for Ursocoris, 1884; Raphigaster, 1832; Agramma (unnecessary
new name for Serenthia, 1837), t. leta. Ertcuson, Arch. Ent.
viii. 1, 281-4. (a) Isodermus t. planus; Dicrotelus t. prolixus.
Westwoop, Ann. Mag. N. H. ix. p. 118. (a) Cystosoma t. saun-
dersit.23* Wrstrwoop, Proc. Ent. Soc. Lond. p. Ixxiv. {reprint
p- 61). (a) Ectinoderus t. longimanus. *ScuioptE, Kroyer’s
Nat. Tidsskr. iv. 279. ((3) Philia.23”
1840. Spinona, Rev. Zool. 331. (a) Phricodus t. histrio
(=hystrix); Chelochirus t. atrowv. Herricu-Scuarrer, Wanz.
Ins. v. (Jan.), 61-88. [((3) Typhlocoris, nec. descr.]; l.c. vi.
(Sept.), 1-20. (vy) Discogaster, 1835, t. rhomboideus. WEstTwoop,
Mod. Class. Ins. ii. 414-88. (6) Phyllomorphus, 1832. ZerrEr-
sTeDT, Ins. Lappon. 258. (a) Pholetera [=Aphrodes, 1833], t.
sahlbergi. ({3) Cicadula, Thamnotettiz. Wxstwoop, Trans. Ent.
Soc. Lond. ii. 248-53. (a) Ptilocnemus [n. n. for Ptilocerus, 1831],
t. fuscus. Buancuarp, H.N. Ins. ili. 85-201. (a) Strongylocoris
t. leucocephalus. (|3) Lygeomorphus [= Leptocoris, 1883]. (0)1°
Penthicus, unnecessary n.u. for Aphena, 1830. Drytocephalus,
18382; Paeocera, 1882; Oxyrachis, 1833. (y) Hvagoras, 1835, t.
10 Homot. Solenosthediwm, 1837.
11 This is credited to Hahn, 1826, but was not described by the latter. No
species are mentioned with certainty by Westwood, and the genus is regarded
by Westwood as equivalent to Globiceps, 1825.
12 Referred also to Hahn, and no species mentioned in either genus.
: 13 Thus making ewropea type of the previously unfixed Dictyophora,
833.
14 Homot. Asiraca, 1797.
15 Thus Psewdophlews, 1885, is homot. Arenocoris.
16 —Qdontotarsus and Hurygaster, 1882.
23a Arc, Ent. pl. xxiv. fig. 1 (published 1842 or 1843) is quoted, but this
possibly refers to plates actually prepared but not yet published.
a have not seen this work, and thus do not know if any types were
stated.
216 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
eryt[hjrocephalus. (8) Pseudophleus. (y) Merocoris, Hahn, 1884,
t. denticulatus ; Arvelius, 1837, t. gladiator (= albopunctatus) ;
_ Heteronotus, 1832, t. bescku. Wrstwoop in Duncan’s Jardine’s
Nat. Libr. Intr. Entom. i. 259-86. (a) Polyneura t. ducalis.
[1838—]42.(48") Rampur, Faune Ent. Andalousie, Hem.19* 95-
212. (a) Mijas t. fasciata; Stenocoris17 t. gracilis. (8) Cras-
pedum.18 (0) Ploiara, 1787.
1841. Wxstwoop, Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond. i. 82-5. (c) My-
sidia t. pallida; Phracia2® t, sinuosa ; Phenice t. fritillaris ; Pa-
tara t. guttata ; Lydda t. elongata ; Cenchreat. dorsalis ; Zeugma t.
vittata ; Deribia t. coccinea. Westwoop, Trans. Linn. ‘Soc. Lond.
xix. 1-22. (3) Diospolis, unnecessary n. n. for Lydda, 1841.
Westwoop, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. ii. 18-28. (a) Oxythyreus t.
cylndricornis ; Amblythyreus t. rhombwentris ; Macrothyreus?? t.
cimicoides. A. WuHitsE in Gray’s Trav. Austral. App. i. 472. (a)
Cherocydnus t. foveolatus. Carretio, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, x
275-7. (a) Odontoptera t. spectabilis. A. Costa, l. c. 279-308.
(a) Pachytoma22 t. minor ; Aphanosoma t. italicum : T'ritomacera
t. aphanoides.
1842. *Gmrmar, Munst. Beitr. z. petref. v. 85-7. (a) Actea
sphinz.22* Hors, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. xix. 182-6. (a)
Corethrura t. fuscovaria. A. Wurtz, Entom. i. 406. (a) Pro-
benops t. dromedarius. A. Wutts, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. iii.
84-94. (a) Ceratocoris t. bucephalus ; Coriplatus t. depressus ;
Cephaloplatus t. pertyi. ([3) T'ectocoris, Pecilochroma,?* Cyrto-
coris [n.n. for Oxynotus]. (0) Calliprepes, 1889. Westwoop,
Cat. Hem. Hope, il. 1-26. (a) Brachytes t. bicolor ; Ceratopachys
[= Homeocerus| t. capensis (=nigricornis) ; Acanonicus t. late-
cornis ; Stenoscelidea t. albovaria ; Cortomeris t. pilicornis (=den-
ticulatus) ; Pyrrhotes [=Leptocoris| t. abdominalis. (3) Meta-
podius {n.n. for Acanthocephalus (sic), 1832.) (y) Derapteryx
(sic) t. hardwickiu, 1889.
17 Preoce. Burm. 1839.
18 —Phyllomorphum, 1882.
18a Date uncertain.
19 Preoccupied Fald. 1835.
194 Hagen says, ‘‘ 1-176.”
20 Preoce. Blainy. 1825.
21 Homot. Macrocephalus, 1787.
22 Nec Swainson=Labops, 1835.
224 Now regarded as a coleopteron.
23 Preoce. Stephens, 1829.
(To be continued.)
217
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
Yettow Cotourine oF Cocoon or Prusta Moneta Resut or Motsture.
—I do not think that Mr. Bird’s theory can be the correct one, as we
have records of P. moneta larve spinning up in similar positions as
regards air, light, and moisture, yet producing one permanent white
cocoon, and one white cocoon which afterwards turns to a yellow
colour. In my opinion the yellow colour is due to some secretion of
the larva, which, however, is probably used up in some other way
than in colouring the silk of the cocoon, when the larva has not fed
for some time before it commences to spin up. Moisture probably
hastens the change from white to yellow, and perhaps it may even be
necessary for this change; but still I do not think it is the primary
cause. If Mr. Bird’s theory is correct, there ought to be a much
larger percentage of permanent white cocoons amongst the second
brood than amongst the first, as there is not nearly so much mois-
ture in the atmosphere during late summer as there is during late
spring; and as the leaves of Delphinium and Aconitum are both older
and dryer, the larva could not obtain much (if any) moisture from this
source. In conclusion, I must thank those who have of late been so
kind as to furnish me with material and facts relating to this varia-
tion, and say that in future I shall feel grateful to any who will kindly
give me any facts or material relation to this variation, to enable me
to pursue my experiments to an end.—Rateieu 8. Smatuman ; Carlton
House, Herne Hill, July 13th, 1903.
APATURA IRIS REARED on WituLow.--Last spring I obtained seven
larve of Apatura iris, which I supplied with willow, and all pupated
successfully. At first I had provided them with sallow, but they
refused to eat this for several days, and were consequently without food
until the willow was introduced and accepted. —W. B. Potmar;
18, Waverley Road, Cotham, Bristol.
Puusta nt at Penzance, 1894.—On looking over some undetermined
specimens in the possession of the late Mr. W. Baily, of Penzance,
in July, 1894, I detected eight worn specimens of Plusia ni. These
Mr. B. informed me he had taken recently in one of his gardens. I
told him that Prof. Riley had given the name of brassice to a ni-like
Plusia from its feeding on cabbage, &c.; whereupon Mr. B. set the
neighbourhood to work at larva-hunting, with such success that he
bred a considerable number of the required insect. I have not men-
tioned this fact, because I considered that the discovery belonged to
my friend, to use as he thought fit; but I see no reason to keep the
secret any longer. Mr. Baily told me that, although the larve of ni
and gamma resembled one another, he could easily differentiate the
two. I have since seen our national series of ni from all parts of the
world, and have come to the conclusion the ni and P. brassice, Riley,
are synonymous.—H. G, Knaces; Folkestone, June 19th, 1903.
Nores on tae Licror Case-Mora.—Without exception the Lictor
case-moth (Hntometa ignobilis) is the most plentiful species of case- or
housebuilder moth in Tasmania. The Saunders case-moth (Metura
elongata) of the mainland does not extend its range to these shores.
ENTOM.—AuaustT, 1908. 8
218 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
The larve of Kntometa ignobilis feed principally on the various species
of Acacia and Eucalyptus. The perfect insects are very rarely seen:
that such should be the case is not to be wondered at, as the males on
emerging, in confinement, dash themselves to pieces in a few minutes
against the sides of the cage. They are remarkable for the length of
the abdomen, the power they have of elongating it, and the manner in
which they lash it from side to side. The females never leave the
cases, but simply place the posterior end of the abdomen close to the
lower aperture of the case. The male, when ready to change to the
pupa state, reverses its position in the case, so that its head is close to
the lower aperture. The female, on the other hand, pupates in the
same position as when a larva. The young are brought forth not in
the egg state but as minute larve, which, if one is fortunate enough,
may be seen issuing in immense numbers from the body of the female,
each letting itself down by a slender thread of silk, it being soon
wafted to some leaf of the tree. Hach immediately spins a silk case
for itself, fastening grains of bark to its exterior surface. A very
small proportion of larve turn to imagines owing to the attacks of
ichneumon and dipterous parasites. Recently I was fortunate enough
to witness a nearly adult larva of this species enlarging its case. It
occurred to me that a description of the process might not be without
some interest to many. First the edge of the mouth of the case was
tightly fastened with silk to the twig from which a portion was to be
cut. Then the caterpillar protruded itself half out of its case and
commenced nibbling the bark round the twig. In a very short while
it was severed. I should have before remarked that the top of the
twig and several leaves were bitten off before cutting a piece the desired
length (about an inch). As soon as the portion was severed it was
grasped by the caterpillar in its legs, which acted in the capacity of
hands, and then given a coating of silk. This occupied two or three
minutes. It was marvellous to watch the ease with which the piece
of twig was handled, being turned over and over, backwards and
forwards, without a seeming effort. It was nearly always grasped in
the middle. After the coating process was finished the caterpillar
retreated inside its case, laying the twig lengthwise across the mouth.
It then bit an opening about a quarter of an ‘inch from the top through
the fabric, came half way out through the opening, and pulled down
the piece of twig. It was then lightly fastened by one end near the
top of the case. The caterpillar then proceeded to fasten it securely
for half its length among the other bits of twigs already there. This
done, it retreated into its case and fastened up the rent it had made
in the fabric, at the same time securely attaching the top of the twig.
Unfortunately I never witnessed the lower portion of the twig being
fastened down, but should imagine the process was the same. Next
day it was practically impossible to distinguish this twig from the
others. Its thickness was that of, say, a two-inch nail. Sometimes
the twigs project an inch or more beyond the end of the case, but the
method of fastening on is the same.—Franx M. Lirruer ; Launceston,
Tasmania: March 16th, 1903.
219
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
Puusia curysitis.—Mr. Lawrance, in his note (ante, p. 193), men-
tions his and friends’ experience respecting Plusia chrysitis being
scarcer of late years. My experience is quite to the contrary, as the
imagines are to be taken freely at bramble bloom in company with
Thyatira batis and Habrosyne derasa, at Finchley and Mill Hill; and
since coming here to reside I have taken it at bramble bloom, and also
at the blossoms of Delphinium (on four occasions) in my garden. The
larvee, too, could be easily found by beating the nettles over news-
papers at night, at Finchley, and would no doubt be found, by careful
work, in other suburban districts —V. Eric Suaw; Salisbury Road,
Bexley, Kent, July 14th, 1903.
Puusia curysitis.—With reference to Mr. A. J. Lawrance’s remarks
as to this species (ante, p. 193), I may mention that I took one speci-
men on the 18th of this month, while dusking on the railway embank-
ment at the back of my house. This is the first time I have seen the
insect near London during my four years’ collecting.—G. B. Browns ;
43, Southbrook Road, Lee, 8.E., July 21st, 1903.
Puusta curysitis.—Referring to the note on Plusia chrysitis in the
London district (ante, p. 198), it may be of interest to say that here,
at least eighteen miles from London, there is no scarcity of this moth.
Last autumn I beat the larve abundantly, and at present I am finding
the imago on the wing.—(Rev.) W. Cuaxton; Navestock Vicarage,
Romford, July 10th, 1903.
Draconruizs In Banrrsuire.—On July 13th last I took the follow-
ing dragonflies at Crannoch Loch, near Cullen, situated in an elevated
hollow within a mile of the sea:—Libellula quadrimaculata, L.; Pyr-
rhosoma nymphula, Sulz.; Ischnura elegans, Lind. ; Enallagma cyathi-
gerum, Charp.—Henry H. Brown; Cupar-Fife.
Wuirsuntipe 1n THE New Forest, 1903.—We devoted our Whit-
suntide holiday this year to entomology in the New Forest, and having
met with some success, thought that a brief account of our doings
might be of interest to some of the many entomologists who visit that
famous hunting-ground. We arrived at our diggings (some six miles
from Brockenhurst) late Friday night, May 29th, where the inn-
keeper had awaiting us a female Smerinthus ocellatus that he had found,
which subsequently deposited a number of ova. There had been a
storm in the evening, and much rain fell during the night, but,
luckily, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were fine and hot.
Several species of Lepidoptera were met with in considerable
numbers, viz.:—Gonopteryx rhamni, Argynnis euphrosyne, Nisoniades
tages, Panagra petraria, Ematurga atomaria, Bupalus piniaria (males
only), and Thera variata; while the following were seen in lesser
numbers :— Pieris brassicae, P. rapa, P. napi, Huchloé cardamines,
Pararge egeria, P. megera, Canonympha pamphilus, Thecla rubi, Polyom-
matus phleas, Lycena icarus, Syrichthus malve, Euchelia jacobea, Ma-
crothylacia rubi (several males seen, but only one captured), Phytometra
viridaria (on the heaths), Huclidia mi and EH. glyphica (beside the
220 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
railway), Venilia maculata, Boarmia consortaria (on fir-trunks), Te-
phrosia punctularia, Acidalia remutaria (including some nice forms),
Cabera pusaria, C. exanthemata, Bapta temerata, Macaria liturata, La-
rentia pectinitaria, Melanthia ocellata, Pyrausta ostrinalis, Hydrocampa
nympheata, Botys pandalis?, Harpella geoffrella, Scoparia ambigualis, and
S. dubitalis (on trunks).
Dusking was not very successful, and the only additional species
taken in this way were:—Phlogophora meticulosa, Epione advenaria,
Rumia cratgeata, Iodis lactearia, Bapta taminata, Kupithecia venosata,
FE. nanata, E. vulgata, Hypsipetes ruberata (two), Melanippe sociata, M.
fluctuata, Coremia ferrugata, C. unidentaria, Cidaria corylata, C. trun-
cata, and Pardia tripunctana.
May 81st we spent in the company of Mr. E. Morris, of Brocken-
hurst, and devoted most of the day to the ‘‘ beehawks,” of which we
secured a few of both species. On the same day we saw one or two
Nemeobius lucina, and found a male Smerinthus ocellatus at rest. Single
specimens of Nola confusalis, Dasychira pudibunda, Kphyra pendularia,
and two Erastria fuscula were also taken during our visit. Larve
appeared to be scarce, and we did very little beating. We, however,
found two batches of Teniocampa miniosa larve, and kept about fifty
each.
With regard to the Odonata, Calopteryx virgo was common by nearly
every stream, and several of the commoner species were well out, such
as Platetrum depressum, Agrion puella, and Pyrrhosoma nymphula.
Libellula quadrimaculata and Orthetrum carulescens also fell to our nets ;
and we were very pleased to secure Anaw imperator—a splendid insect!
Gomphus vulgatissimus was just emerging at the Blackwater, and
several empty pupa skins were found on the reeds by the water’s edge,
while two of the imagines were discovered drying their wings above
them. This insect was also seen hawking up and down the stream
higher up, but only one specimen was secured. On the same patch of
rushes pupa-skins of Calopteryx virgo were also found.
Coleoptera were not seriously worked, but we brought home,
amongst others, Silpha atrata, Cetonia aurata, Melolontha vulgaris,
Necrophorus mortuorum, Rhagium bifasciatum, Donacia linearis ?, Crypto-
cephalus aureolus, and Lina populi.—Puitie J. Barraup and Kennetu
G. Buair.
SOCIETIES.
EntomonocicaL Society or Lonpon.—June 8rd, 1903.—Professor
K. B. Poulton, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S., President, in the chair.—Mr. G. C.
Champion exhibited numerous specimens of Coccinella distincta, taken
in the pine woods of Woking. They were found, as usual, running
about the ground in company with Formica rufa, and were perhaps
wanderers from some other locality. Mr. Donisthorpe said the species
was still common at Weybridge in the nests of Formica rufa, and that
he had observed it also at Bexhill, while Mr. Chitty noted its former
occurrence in Blean Woods in great numbers. The history of the
larvee, he said, had not been worked out.—Mr. H. St. J. Donisthorpe
SOCIETIES. 291
exhibited a very remarkable melanic form of Halyzia 18-guttata, L.,
black with white spots, the type, which was also exhibited, being light
brown with white spots. The former was taken at Oxshott on May
22nd. He also exhibited Stilicus fragilis, Gr., a melanie form with a
black thorax instead of red, as in the type, taken at Shirley on May 15th;
and Staphylinus fulvipes, Scop., taken by himself at Bamber Forest on
June 1st, a new locality for this rare beetle.—Dr. T. A. Chapman ex-
hibited two full-grown larvee of Thestor ballus, sent by Mr. H. Powell,
from Hyéres, and described them in their various stages. He also
exhibited a larva of Heterogyna paradoxa, full-fed, reared from the egg
at Reigate; and a cocoon of Orgyia auwro-limbata, with parasite Braconid.
In this instance a larva produced an imago and the parasite. The
cocoon, when opened last October, showed the cocoon of a Micro-
gaster within it—a dense oval ribbed cocoon of whitish silk, with
longitudinal darker flutings. The Microgaster and the moth both
came from the same larva, and the moth, though containing few eggs
(not being fertilised), laid none. An imago and a parasite from the
same larva have not infrequently been recorded, but the occurrence has
very often been doubted.—The President exhibited the dry form of
Precis actia, bred by Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall from an egg laid by a
female of the wet form. The parent was captured by Mr. Marshall at
Salisbury, Mashonaland (5000 ft.), on February 14th, 1903; the egg
was laid on the following day. It hatched February 20th; the larva
pupated March 16th; the perfect insect, a male, emerged March 28th.
The differences between these two forms are as astonishing as those
between the two phases of Precis antilope. The representation of a
dead leaf in the dry actia is slightly more elaborate than in antilope.
Both species have an equally beautiful mid-rib-like stripe, but the
former alone present the appearance of minute holes near the tip of
the simulated leaf, due to two white semi-transparent spots. This is the
third South African species of the genus Precis in which Mr. Marshall
has produced incontrovertible evidence of the specific identity of forms
widely separated in colours, patterns, shape, relation of upper to under
side, &c., and even instinct, including the selection of a particular type
of country.—The President also showed a small series of ants, part of
a much larger collection made by the late W. J. Burchell in Brazil
between the years 1825 and 1830. They were obtained with his other
vast zoological and botanical collections at Rio or its neighbourhood,
or in the course of the long journey from Santos to Para. Considering
their great age, the specimens were wonderfully well preserved, and
are accompanied by remarkably exact and detailed data, and, in many
cases, interesting notes on habits, instincts, &ec.—Mr. O. E. Janson
communicated a paper ‘‘On the genus Theodosia, and other Eastern
Goliathides, with descriptions of some new species.’’—Colonel C.
Swinhoe communicated a paper on ‘‘ New genera and species of the
family Lymantriide in the National Collection.” —Mr. G. W. Kirkaldy
communicated a ‘‘ Memoir on the Rhynchota collected by Dr. Arthur
Willey, chiefly in Berara and Lifu.’’—Professor E. B. Poulton gave an
account of ‘*‘ Experiments in 1898, 1894, and 1896 on the colour re-
lation between certain lepidopterous larvee and their surroundings, and
especially the effect of lichen-covered bark upon Odontoptera bidentata
and Lastocampa quercifolia,”—H. Rowianp-Brown, Hon. Sec.
222 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
South Lonpon Enromonocican anp Naturat History Socrery.—
June 11th, 1903.—Mr. E. Step, F.L.S., President, in the chair.—Mr.
Turner exhibited (1) Anisopteryx escularia, a dark form from Lewisham
and a light one from Dorking; (2) a dark suffused specimen of Hybernia
marginaria from Dorking; (8) a series of Dasycera sulphurella, bred
from decaying wood at Loughton, and pointed out the secondary sexual
characters, the males being much the less developed in that respect.—
Dr. Chapman, (1) a larva of Thestor ballus, bred from an ovum sent by
Mr. H. Powell, of Hyéres, and pointed out the characters of the species
and its intermediate nature between the genera Lycena, Thecla, and
Chrysophanus; (2) a coleopteron, Ovina (Chrysochloa) tristis var. smaragq-
dina, bred from the egg at Reigate (from ova found near Lake Maggiore),
the larva had been at large since last September, and the imago had
just been found.—Mr. Garrett, a fine series of T'riphena fimbria, bred,
from Wimbledon Common, including among other forms the pale grey
- type, var. rufa, var. brunnea, and var. solanii—Mr. McArthur, a bred
series of Hupithecia venosata from the Shetland Isles; the southern,
Cunningsburgh, examples were much darker and larger than those from
Unst, in the extreme north. The larvee were always on Silene inflata.—
Mr. West (Greenwich), the rare Necrophorus vestigator, from a dead
rook, and Harpalus servus, under stones; together with the hemipteron
Gnathosomus picipes, all taken at Yarmouth in May.—Mr. Carr, ova of
Hylophila prasinana, Dr.Chapman noticed a great resemblance between
this species and the Acronyctas, but only in the ova.—Mr. Sich, larvee
of Teniocampa miniosa from Brentwood.—Mr. Lucas, beautifully coloured
drawings of HKphyra pendularia var. subroseata, the local Staffordshire
form (see Entom. xxxv. p. 275 (1902) ).—Mr. McArthur reported having
bred a specimen of Dicranwra vinula, which had been lying over as a
pupa since 1901. Mr. Sich reported having found larve of this species
at San Moritz, 6000-7000 ft. elevation, and he had also found D. fur-
cula at the same elevation.—Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Rep. Sec.
BirminecHam Entomoxoeicat Socrety.—May 18th, 1903.—Mr. G. T.
Bethune-Baker, President, in the chair.--Mr. R. C. Bradley exhibited
a fine series of Bombylus discolcr from Ventnor, Isle of Wight, where
they were taken last April.. They were chiefly males, and all were
taken in one small spot, though he believes that the species occurred all
over the island.—Mr. J. T. Fountain, a series of Dasychira pudibunda,
bred from a female found on heather at Sutton last year; also a series
of Teniocampa munda from Yorkshire, bred, one of which was reddish
in colour, and the black spots were represented by a reddish blotch on
either wing, the pair of dots being only just discernible; also a few
butterflies taken bya soldier friend in Sierra Leone.—Mr. Bethune-Baker
exhibited another boxful of Sierra Leone Lycenide, including some
nice new species.
EnromonocicaL Crus or Lonpon.—A meeting was held at Wey-
bridge on July 17th last. Although a very much larger number had
been invited, only six were able to attend, and of these two were
members. A little field entomology had been effected during the
earlier part of the day, and at seven o’clock the visitors and members
dined with the chairman and host, Mr. G. T. Porritt, of Huddersfield,
at the ‘Hand and Spear’ Hotel.
223
RECENT LITERATURE.
N. Leon. ‘Recherches morphologiques sur les piéces labiales des
Hydrocores.’ Jassy, 1901. Pp. 1-13 (1). (15 text figs.).
One of the controverted questions in the morphology of insects is
the origin of the labium in Rhynchota; a summary of this, the latest
work on the subject, will therefore be of interest. Ratzeburg, Bur-
meister, Chatin, Wedde, and Leon hold that in the formation of the
labium, the labial palpi, which are united along the median line, have
also taken part. On the other hand, Westwood, Newport, Latreille,
Gerstfeldt, and Geise believe that the palpi do not contribute to the
formation of the labium. Recently, Heymons, in an extensive work
(1899, ‘ Beitrage zur Morphol. und Entwickelungsgeschichte der
Rhynchoten, 1899, Nova Acta Leop. Carol. Acad. Naturf. Halle, lxxiv.
pp. 349-456, plates xv.—xvii. and 5 text figs.), pronounced against their
existence, on the ground that in the Rhynchota the labium is com-
posed of four segments, and that the palpi are inserted on the third
segment, and not on the second, which is homologous with the mentum
in the mandibulate insects. More recently Leon has returned to the
charge in the abovenamed brochure.
The learned Rumanian professor declares that Heymons’ objection
is disposed of when one considers that the labial palpi are not inserted
directly on the mentum, but on an intermediate piece (palpiger), in such
mandibulates as Phasma, Iapetus, Gryllus, and Silpha, and that in all
these the palpi are inserted, not on the second but on third, as in those
waterbugs which have a quadrisegmentate labium. The palpi are
inserted directly on the mentum only in those mandibulates in which
the palpiger is wanting. This leads to the supposition that the quad-
risegmentate labium in waterbugs originated from a mandibulate
labium provided with a palpiger, and that the trisegmentate labium in
other waterbugs is developed from a mandibulate labium lacking the
palpigers.
The submentum is formed by the coalescence of the two cardines,
and the mentum by that of the two stipites; the third segment between
the mentum and the ligula is formed by the coalescence of the two
palpigers, consequently the labial palpi, even in Gerris and Halobates—
where the labium has four segments—occupies its correct morpho-
logical situation. The most important comparative-anatomical fact,
proving that the appendages described by Leon in benacus, Zaitha
[recte Belostoma] , Gerris and Velia, are labial palpi, is that the position
they occupy on the labium is exactly the place the labial palpi occupy
in the mandibulata.
Leon distinguishes two labial types in waterbugs; one composed
of four segments, the other of three.
The rostrum is trisegmentate in Spharodema (= Appasus and Diplo-
nychus, Rakatra, Laccotrephes, Nepa, Mononyx, Gelastocoris (= Gal-
gulus), Pelocoris, &c., and is of a very similar type throughout the
series. The labium appears to be composed, throughout its length,
of two symmetric halves, united along the median line. ‘The
224 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
basal segment is homologous with the sub-
mentum of the mandibulata, and is formed
by the coalescence of two sclerites, corre-
sponding to the two cardines or submaxille.
The second is homologous with the men-
tum, and is formed by the coalescence of
two pieces, corresponding with the two sti-
pites or maxilla. The third, or terminal,
is homologous with the ligula, and is
formed by the union of the subgalea, galea,
intermaxille, and premaxille. The basal
of the ligula is formed by the coalescence
along the median line of the two sub-
galeas. The lateral terminal lobes are
homologous with the galea, corresponding
with the lobi superiores of Kirby. The
Labium of Spherodema(= median terminal lobes are homologous
Diplonychus) rustica (after with the two intermaxille, and the two
L . Sg.=Subgalea. Mn. E : 5 -
nega Bh OSG: premaxille united along the median line.
tum. Pl. = Labial palpi. Asregards Heymons’ objection, that the
Ip.=Inter- and pre-maxil- labial palpiin waterbugs are not sufficiently
lx. G. = Galea. varied; compared with the labial palpi of
the mandibulata, this is certainly so, but
on comparing them with the extremely uniform rhynchotal rostrum, one
finds that they are really sufficiently variable. If the complex maxillz
of the mandibulata have become in the Rhynchota simple, uniform,
unvarying stylets, why could not the labial palpi assume by degeneration
the little-varied forms they present in the latter order ?. As a matter of
fact, there is a certain amount of variation in the labial palpi of water-
bugs. In Jiyocoris and other Naucoride, they are merely tiny rudi-
ments; in Benacus and other Belostomatide, they are well developed.
They present rudimentary articulation in Mononya, while in Gelasto-
coris (= Galgulus) they are triarticulate.
As the great majority of present-day authors, even Heymons, con-
sider the rostrum to be labial, Leon concludes that his homologies, as
set forth above, can be considered correct.
The 4-segmentate labium, as represented by Halobates, is discussed
briefly ; Leon considers the homologies more difficult to determine
than in the other type, but concludes that the statements made above
are probably correct.
The paper is marred by a number of misprints, particularly in the
scientific names of the bugs. The only one likely to mislead is on
page 8, five lines from top, where ‘‘ trois’’ should be ‘“‘ quatre.”
G. W. Kirxarpy.
-, as t
Entomologist, Sep, 1903. Plate IV.
F.W Frohawk del et lith. West, Newman imp.
1d6,22 Metachrostis costiplaga.
34,4? Xenobiston casta.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vou. XXXVI SEPTEMBER, 1908. [No. 484.
TWO NEW SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA FROM THE
WADY EL NATRON, EGYPT.
By Wituiam Warren, M.A., F.E.S., and the Hon. N. C. Rorn-
scuitp, M.A., F.L.S.
(Pate IY.)
Durine a small expedition of the junior author and Mr.
Francis Henley to the Natron Valley, five species of Lepidoptera
were secured, of which two—a Noctuid and a Geometrid—are
new, and are here described for the first time. All the speci-
mens in question came to light.
METACHROSTIS CosTIPLAGA, sp.nov. Figs.: 1, 3; 2, 2.
Fore wings pale or dark ashy grey, the transverse lines fine, black,
edged with yellowish ; first at about one-third, vertical, forming three
small curves; second from five-sixths of costa to three-fourths of
inner margin, sinuous, more or less parallel to the hind margin;
orbicular stigma round, touching first line; reniform with only the
lower inner edge visible, the rest being lost in a large cream-coloured
blotch lying within the sinus of the outer line, and starting from
middle of costa; submarginal line pale, indistinct, in the female edged
by a dark line; marginal line dark; fringe grey, chequered with
darker. Hind wings white, with a slight discolouration towards hind
margin extending over the three median nervules, expanded in the
female into a slight submarginal cloud, darkening the veins, and
marked beyond by a dark marginal line and shade in the fringe, which
is otherwise white. Under side of the fore wings bluish white, with
the fringe and cell-spot dark; the hind wings cream-coloured. Head
and thorax dark grey ; palpi cream-coloured, the third joint dark ;
abdomen cream, legs cream-coloured, the tarsi dark spotted. Hxpanse
of wings: male, 26 mm.; female, 28 mm.
ENTOM.—SEPTEMBER. 1908. T
226 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Three males and one female from Bir Victoria, March 5th,
1903.
XENOBISTON, gen. nov.
Fore wings ample; costa straight, apex rounded, hind margin
long, obliquely curved, inner margin somewhat convex. Hind wings
with both angles rounded, hind margin faintly indented beyond
cell, more noticeably in the female. Antenne of male broadly bi-
pectinated, the pectinations strongly ciliated; of female shortly
bipectinated. Shoulders, patagia, thorax, and pectus densely and
roughly haired; face smooth, prominent; palpi quite short, rough-
haired, no joints visible; tongue absent; frenulum present, very fine ;
mid and hind tibiz with a pair of short terminal spines. Neuration :
fore wings, cell three-fifths of wing; disocellular concave ; first median
nervule at two-thirds, second close before third; radials normal, veins
7, 8 stalked from a little before end of cell, 9, 10 stalked, 9 anasto-
mosing with 8, 11 free. Hind wings, costal anastomosing with sub-
costal for half of cell; cell two-thirds of wing; discocellular in-
agulate, 3 and 7 both just before angles of cell, vein 5 weak.
Type. X. casta, sp. nov.
The neuration is anomalous, but the genus seems to come
nearest to Hrannis. Hiibn., in which vein 5 of the hind wing is
also intermediate between a vein and a fold.
XENOBISTON CASTA, Sp.noy. Figs.: 8, 3; 4, 2.
Fore wings pearl-grey, the basal third white, the middle third
occupied by a flesh-coloured fascia, the lunulate margins of which are
slightly marked with dark scales; the fascia projects outwards a little
above the median vein, containing there a whitish centred dark-edged
ocelloid cell-spot ; costa pale throughout, the fascia stopping short at
the subcostal vein; fringe concolorous. Hind wings with the fascia
very obscurely marked in darker grey, externally pinkish. Under side
uniformly pearl-grey without markings. Head and thorax pure white ;
abdomen pearl-grey, towards the base tinged with flesh-colour. Palpi
and pectus white ; legs tinged with pale grey; antenne ferruginous.
Eixpanse of wings: male, 830 mm.; female, 88 mm.
A pair from Bir Victoria ; March 5th, 1903. The male quite
perfect, the female somewhat faded, and in consequence much
paler throughout.
In addition to these the following species were also secured :—
Kuxoa spinifera, Hiib.—Three females and one female; Bir
Victoria, March 4th to 5th, 1903. Differing somewhat from the
ordinary form in having the claviform stigma rather shorter,
and not filled up with black.
O.xicesta chabordis, Oberth.—One male; Bir Victoria, March
4th, 1903.
Cerocala isana, H.-§.— One male and two females; Bir
Victoria, March 5th, 19038.
227
NOTES ON GEOMETRA VERNARIA.
By G. M. Russetuz, B.Sc.
Havine recently bred from the egg-state a series of G. ver-
naria, | have thought that a few notes on the life-history of the
species may be interesting. A worn female, taken in July of last
year, having been placed with a few leaves of Clematis vitalba in
a box, deposited eggs on the 25th of that month. The greenish-
yellow eggs were laid on the leaf stems, and were placed one on
the other, forming perfect cylinders standing out perpendicularly
to the stems. The batches contained from two to eight eggs,
which are remarkable for their geometrical accuracy, having
perfectly plane ends at right angles to the curved sides. A
cylinder of six eggs was about 2 mm. high; each egg was, there-
fore, a right cylinder about 4 mm. high, and of cross section
elliptical; major axis about *8 mm., minor axis ‘6 mm.
The larve emerged on August 9th, without displacing the
ege-shells from the cylindrical arrangement, the holes through
which they made their exit being in the curved sides, and, in any
cylindrical batch, nearly along a generating line. The larve
were pale green in colour, and fed very slowly. About the middle
of September, when they had attained a length of 1 em., they
became very sluggish, only fed on warmer days, and began to
change in colour, the rather bright green gradually giving place
to a dark brown—. e. the same colour as the dry stalks to which
they attached themselves in the usual geometer manner, and
were then only distinguishable with difficulty. They remained
in this way the whole winter without movement, although if
brought into a warm room they soon began to show signs of life.
They were first supplied with food on March 12th. ‘Two or three
ate very sparingly, but were again quiescent during cold weather.
On April 18th a green tinge was observed at the two extremities
of the most advanced larva. This colour-change gradually spread
from segment to segment, until by May 5th this larva had become
wholly green, and by the middle of May all the larve had re-
turned to their original bright green colour. They now fed
regularly, although mostly at night, when they were more active.
On May 30th they began to spin up, drawing together two or
three leaves of the food-plant, fastening them with a few strong
threads, and pupating in the space so formed.
Larva :—Length, when full-fed, 29 mm. Head dark red-
brown, cleft at top; face paler. Second segment cleft, forming
two prominent pointed protuberances. General colour green.
An obscure pale dorsal line formed by a number of white dots;
a spiracular line, a narrow median line underneath, and another
between this and the spiracular line, all formed by white dots.
Tt 2
228 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
A black or dark brown oblique streak on tenth seement below
spiracles. Spiracles reddish.
The pupa is attached by the tail to one of the smaller stems.
Length 13 mm. Deep green at head, shading off to pale green
at tail. The pupal coverings of the antenne are very black and
well defined. Three days before the moth emerges the pupal
wing-cases become paler, until almost white. The day before
emergence they become darker in colour, until of a very dark
bluish green. The first moths emerged on July 2nd, and all
were out by July 19th.
A curious fact respecting the female of this species was noticed.
Four females were placed in a glass-covered box, with a few
leaves of Clematis, in order to obtain eggs. On removing the
glass on July 16th, in order to examine the eggs, a powerful
scent was at once noticed. ‘This scent may be described as
resembling that in the neighbourhood of pine woods, and,
although not unpleasant, was strong enough to be rather sickly
and objectionable when the face was held immediately over the
box and its contents. In order to definitely settle whether this
scent was caused by the moths, a female was taken off the
setting-board and the body opened: the same strong scent was
at once recognised. It is possible that this scent may serve to
attract the other sex, as is stated to be the case with Hepialus
hectus. Ido not remember seeing any previous record of this
peculiarity of the female, nor of the seasonal change of colour
of the larva.
Portchester, Hants: July 19, 1908.
NOTES ON THE PLUMULES OF BUTTERFLIES.*
In the males of many Lepidoptera, especially butterflies, we
find very remarkable scales, quite different from the ordinary
seales, which are called plumules. ‘These scales are either
spread over the upper side of the wings among the ordinary
scales, or are crowded together over a circumscribed space, and
form conspicuous velvety and sometimes raised spots, called
brands. Some think that these scales have an attractive odour,
which draws the female to its own mate; but this is not yet
absolutely proved. However, it is known that many butterflies
and moths, both males and females, emit a peculiar scent. The
principal forms of plumules which are found in the scales of
butterflies are represented in the accompanying figures, and are
the following :—
* Translated from Prof. C. Aurivillius’s ‘ Nordens Fjirilar ’ (Stockholm,
1888-1891, pp. viii, ix), by W. F. Kirby.
NOTES ON THE PLUMULES OF BUTTERFLIES. 229
(1.) Tufted Plumules (Plumule penicillate), which are ex-
panded at the tip into a tuft of small fine bristles (Gineis jutta).
1 2 3 4 5 6
These are either more or less black, as in the Satyrinz and
Argynnis; or are uncoloured, as in the Pierine. —
(2.) Bristle Plumules (Plumule subulate) (Syrichthus malve),
230 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
which have the end produced into a single bristle; this is found
in the costal fold in Syrichthus.
(3.) Hair Plumules (Plumule capillares) (Thanaos tages).
These are slender, almost as fine as a hair, and are obtuse at the
end. Such plumules are found in the costal fold of Thanaos tages,
and on the upper side of the wings in many species of Lycena.
(4.) Jointed Plumules (Plumule articulate) (Hesperia comma),
which are slender, nearly smooth, and divided into many joints,
easily separable from one another. These very remarkable scales
are found closely packed together in the small male-brands in all
the species of true Hesperia.
(5.) Bladder Plumules (Plumule papillose) (Lycena icarus).
These are small oval or egg-shaped scales, which have more
or fewer rows of small bladder-like elevations on the surface,
and are found in most species of the genus Lycena.
(6.) Dotted Plumules (Plumule punctulate) (Thecla w-album).
Dotted plumules are very like ordinary wing-scales, and the
whole surface is very finely and closely dotted ; they are always
agglomerated into brands, and are found in the species of Thecla
and in Colias edusa.
ON THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE GENERA OF. THE
RHYNCHOTA; HETEROPTERA AND AUCHENOR-
RHYNCHOUS HOMOPTERA.
By G. W. Kirxavpy, F.E.S.
(Continued from p. 216.)
1843. Gunrin, Rev. Zool. 112-4. (e) Peltopterus t. rugosa.
24Amyot & Srrvinue, H. N. Ins. Hém. 1-676, and i-Ixxvi. (@)
Cantao t. dispar (= ocellatus) ; Hucorysses t. pallens (= grandis) ;
Irochrotus t. maculiventris (= lanatus); Hotea t. triangulum
(= gambia) ; Coptochilus t. ferrugineus ; Ancyrosoma t. alboline-
atus ; Bolbocorist. tricolor (=rufus) ; Tarisa t. flavescens ; Hetero-
crates t. coracinus (= marginatus) ; Strombosoma t. unipunctatum ;
Cazira t. verrucosa (= chiroptera) ; Platynopus t. varius (= mela-
noleucus) ; Catostyrax t. catena; Picromerus?® t. bidens; Lobo-
stoma?® t. gigantewum; Zicrona t. cerulea ; Hiverus t. hirtus
(=torridus); Adrisa t. nigra; Brachypelta2’ t. tristis ; Cyrto-
menus t. castaneus ; Amblyottus t. dufourt ; Dismegistus t. circum-
cunctus (= fimbriatus) ; Menaccarus t. piceus; Pododus?® t. or-
24 Probably issued very early in 1844.
25 Homot. Cimeax, 1758.
26 Preoce. Gundl. 1840.
27 Homot. Cydnus, 1803.
28 Preoce. Agassiz, 1843.
NOMENCLATURE OF THE RHYNCHOTA, ETC. 231
bicularis ; Dalpada t. aspersa ; Mustha t. serrata (= spinosula) ;
Brochymena t. serrata (= quadripustulata) ; Thelima?® t. com-
planata ; Nevroscia®® t. grata (= nubila); Bathycelia t. buno-
poziensis ; Menipha®? t. brunnea (== marginatus) ; Oxyrhinus®? t.
subsulcatus (= reticulare); Rachava?? t. orbicularis (= tristis) ;
Sachana®* t. depressus ; Sephela t. linearis ; Mormidea t. ypsilon ;
Myrochea t. vittata (= aculeata) ; Loxa t. flavicollis ; Galedanta t.
bituberculata ; Ocedosoma?® t. acroleucum; Zalega t. furcifrons ;
Nezara t. smaragdula (= viridula) ; Evoptilus t. laciniatus ; Sas-
tragala t. uniguttata ; Taurocerus t. edessoides (= achilles) ; Pero-
matus t. notatus ; Dorypleura [= Edessa, 1803], t. bubalus ; Hy-
poxys [= Hdessa] t. quadridens ; Pygoda |= Edessa] t. polita;
Aceratodes [= Edessa] t. cruentus (= rufomarginatus) ; Brachy-
stethus t. marginatus ; Piezostemum t. mucronatum (= subulatum) ;
Mucanum t. canaliculatum ; Hypencha t. apicalis ; Mattiphus t.
carrenot (= laticollis) ; Hurypleura t. bicornis ; Dalcantha t. dila-
tata ; Pycanum t. amethystinum (= rubens) ; Cyclopelta t. obscura ;
Placosternum t. taurus ; Dalsira t. affinis ; Diplorhinus t. furcatus ;
Maerina t. furcata (= juvenca) ; Gonopsist. denticulata ; Diploxys
t. senegalensis ; Dalader t. acuticosta ; Namacus t. transvirgatus ;
Prismatocerus [= Homeocerus, 1835], t. auritulus (= magni-
cornis) ; Sephima t. pustulata ; Molchina t. compressicornis ; Mo-
zena t. spinicrus (= brunnicornis) ; Spathophora t. biclavata ; Me-
lucha [= Physomerus, 1885], t. lineicollis (= phyllocnemis) ;
Piezogaster +t. albonotatus (= calcarator) ; Petalops t. elegans
(= thoracicus) ; Sundarus [= Paryphes, 1835], t. neniator (= re-
galis) ; Cherommatus t. farinosus ; Tetroda t. histeroides ; Eno-
plops®® t. scapha; Anasa t. cornuta; Golema t. rubromaculata
(= histrio) ; Camptischium [= Hymeniphera, 1832], t. spinosum
(=clavipes) ; Acanthocoris t. scabrator ; Machtima t. crucigera ;
Zoreva t. fasciata (—dentipes) ; Pephricus t. paradoxus ; Tyno-
toma t. vittata (=amicta) ; Meloza t. villosipes ; Zicca t. massu-
lata (=nigropunctata) ; Beosus t. quadratus (— luscus) ; Pterot-
metus t. staphyliniformis ; Oedancala t. dorsilinea (= dorsalis) ;
Cantacader t. quadricornis; Anomaloptera t. helianthemt ; Crimia
t. tuberculata; Mezira {= Brachyrhynchus, 1832], t. granulata
(= usurpatus) ; Catamiarus t. brevipennis; Tetroxia t. spinifera ;
Acanthaspis [= Tetroxia] t. sexguttata; Physopelta tt. erythro-
cephala+affinis (both — albofasciata) ; Durgandat. rubra; Cethera
t. variata (= musiva) ; Salyavata t. variegata ; Beharus t. luna-
29 Homot. Chlorocoris, 1837.
39 Homot. Agonoscelis, 1837.
31 Homot. Ochlerus.
82 Homot. Macropygiwm, 1837.
33 Homot. Symprezorlincus, 1837.
34 Homot. Coriplatus, 1843.
35 Homot. Arocera, 1837.
36 Homot. Coreus, 1803,
232, THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
tus (= cylindripes) ; T'richoscelis?7 t. stollii (= flavicans) ; Mi-
crauchenus t. lineola; Ponerobia t. rubronotata (= bipustulata) ;
Herega {= Apiomerus, 1832,| t. rubrolimbata (= crassipes) ;
Pristhevarma t. bipunctata ; Cidoria t. flava ; Yolinus t. sufflatus ;
Eulyes t. amena ;3% Sycanus t. collaris ; Pristhesancus t. dorycus ;
FHelonotus t. tuberculatus (=sexspinosus) ; Piezopleura®® t. angu-
losa ; Montina t. sinuosa ; Acantischium t. maculatum : Isocondylus
t. elongatus ; Darbanus t. nigrolineatus (=plagiatus) ; Passaleutes
t. geniculatus; Saica t. rubella; Atrachelus t. heterogeneus
=cinereus) ; Heza t. binotata ; Sava t. coronota (=tuberculata) ;
Spheridops t. amenus ; Sastrapada t. flava ; Canthesancus t. tri-
maculatus; Rhaphidosoma t. burmeistert (=major) ; Sciodopterus
(=Acanthia, 1775), t. flavipes; Ptilomera t. laticauda [ta\; Ap-
pasus®®* ¢, natator ;3°” Cercotmetus t. asiaticus ; Tacua t. speci-
osa ; Tosena t. fasciata ; Platypleura t. stridula ; Zammara t. tym-
panum ; Hymenarcys t. perpunctata; Pycna t. strix (=stryx) ;
Geana t. maculata; Hemisciera t. maculipennis; Mogannia t.
illustrata ; Oxypleura t. clara ; Tettigades t. chilensis ; Cyclochila
t. australasia ; Dundubia t. vaginata; Tettigomyia t. vespiformis ;
Physoplia t. crassicornis ; Hotinus*® t. candelarius ; Lappida t.
proboscidea ; Hysteropterum t. immaculatum ; Dalapax t. postica ;
Pochazia t. fasciata ; Colobesthes t. falcata ; Phyllyphanta t. pro-
ducta ; Phalenomorpha t. incubans ; Nephesat. rosea ; Encophyllum
t. cruentatum ; Enchenopa t. monoceros; Notocera t. cruciata ;
Bolbonota t. nisus; Gargara t. geniste ; Thelia t. bimaculata ;
Nessorhinus t. vulpes ; Oeda t. inflata ; Uroxiphus t. maculiseutum ;
Rhinaulax t. maculipennis (=analis) ; Triecphora [=Tomaspis,
18483], t. sanguinolenta ; Monecphora [=Tomaspis| t. cingulata ;
Proconia t. obtusa ; Aulacizes t. quadripunctata.; Diestostemma t.
albipenne ; Acopsis t. viridicans; Aglena t. ornata (=acuminata) ;
Hpiclines*+ t. planata ; Zennica t. flavidorsum ; Prolobodes [n. n.
for Lobostoma, 1843], t. giganteum. (3) Galostha [=Chrys-
coris|, Galgupha |{=Corimelena|, Canthecona, Sehirus, Trito-
megas, Hyalymenus, Camptopus, Ectatops, Lestomerus, Rasahus,
Therapha, Diplodus,*2, Sinea, Pothea, Pleogaster, Saccoderes,
Zaitha [=Belostoma, 1807], Huechys, Thopha, Fidicina, Cari-
neta, Ceresa, Tomaspis, Sphenorhina, Lepyronia. (y) Arma,
1832, t. custos; Ciccus, 1829, t. adspersus ; Entylia, 1888, t.
sinuata, F.; Homeocerus {recte Homeocerus, 1835], t. nigripes ;
Calliphara, 1839, t. nobilis; Spartocera, 1882, t. geniculata ;
37 Preocc. Dej. 1834.
38 Nec amena ut apud Leth. et Sev., &e.
39 Homot. Harpactor, 1832.
398 — Diplonychus, 1882.
39b —nepoides, Fabr.
40 Homot. Pyrops, 1837.
41 Preocc. Guér. 1830.
#2 Preoce. Agassiz, 1843,
NEW ICHNEUMONIDA FROM INDIA, ETC. 233
Spherocoris, 1885, t. ocellatus; Stiretrosoma, 18387, t. erytro-
cephala; Platycoris, Guér., 1830, t. rubromarginatus ; Rhapht-
gaster, 1832, t. punctipennis ; Alphocoris t. lixoides ; Hemiptycha,
1833, t. punctata ; Solenostethium {recte -sthedium] t. lynceum ;*%
Phimodera, 1839, t. galgulina; Apodiphya [recte Apodiphus, 1837],
te Hellenicus (=amygdali) ; Verlusia, 1887, t. rhombea (=quad-
ratus) ; Paryphes, 1835, t. letus. 3) Maotys, unnecessary n.n.
for Ptilocerus, 1840; Coreomelas for Corimelena, 1839 ; Prooxys,
1887 ; Platymerus, 1882; Hymenophora, 1882; Metapodus, 1842;
Placoscelis, 1837 ; Plociomerus for Ptochiomera, 1882 ; Lohita for
Macrocerea, 1837 ; Helicoptera for Elidiptera, 1839 ; Doryderes
for Dyroderes, 1887; Phyllochirus, 18837; Cladypha for Clado-
diptera, 1839 ; Hygyops for Ugyogs, 1830; Physorhynchus, n. n.
for Loricerus, Hahn [which is Nor preoce.] ; Metastemma for
Prostemma, 1832 ; Schizops, 1837 ; Hy ypsochenia, 1833; Achillus,
1818 ; Deroptery, 1839 ; Acanthischium [p. 648] for Acantischiwm
[p. 867]; Tlasia, 18386; Coryssorhaphis for Coryzorhaphis, 18387.
DESCRIPTIONS OF TEN NEW SPECIES AND NINE
NEW GENERA OF ICHNEUMONIDA FROM INDIA,
CEYLON, AND JAPAN.
By P. Cameron.
CRYPTINA.
STERIPHOCRYPTUS, gen. nov.
Median segment with two transverse keels, toothed ; its spiracles
linear; the segment about one-half the length of the mesothorax.
Disco-cubital nervure without the stump of a nervure. Transverse
median nervure in hind wings broken below the middle. Post-petiole
distinctly dilated. Radial cellule large, elongate, the areolet moderate in
size, the sides convergent above. Head rounded inwardly in front and
behind. Apex of clypeus transverse. Mandibles with two large teeth.
Wings large, hyaline. The body is luteous, marked with black; the
spiracles of the second abdominal segment are placed shortly behind
the middle; the gastrocceli are small, deep, round; the malar space large,
the head obliquely narrowed behind the eyes and well-developed there.
Tarsi long, spinose; the fourth joint roundly incised. Antenne stout,
dilated towards the apex; the basal joints of the flagellum not much
longer than the others, There is a distinct metapleural keel.
The type of this genus is larger and more robust than usual
with the Cryptina. In Ashmead’s arrangement it comes near
Callicryptus, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxiii. 43.
£3 Homot. Caloglossa, 1839.
234 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
STERIPHOCRYPTUS LUTEUS, sp. Nov.
Luteous; the sides of the mesonotum, the base and apex of the
metanotum, the base of the meso- and metapleurs and of the abdo-
minal segments, black. Wings hyaline, with .a yellowish-fuscous
tinge; the nervures blackish; the stigma dark testaceous. Antenne
pale yellow, blackish towards the apex. ?. Length 15 mm.
Hab. Darjeeling.
Face and clypeus closely punctured, as is also the front; the latter
is furrowed in the centre; the centre of the vertex of the front and
occiput are rufous in colour. Mandibular teeth black. Mesonotum
closely punctured; the furrows are distinct, deep on its basal half.
Median segment closely and somewhat strongly punctured; its basal
transverse keel is interrupted in the centre. There is an oblique keel
above the centre of the propleure. The tooth on the metanotum is
broad. The transverse cubital nervures converge above; the second
is widely bullated, it being only indicated at the top and bottom.
Abdomen smooth and shining.
PHYGADEUONINI.
Linycus, gen. nov.
Metathoracic spiracles small, oval, distinctly longer than broad;
its areola longer than broad, widely separated from the base of the
segment. Clypeus distinctly separated from the face, its apex broadly
rounded. Malar space large. Mandibles stoutly bidentate. Temples
broad. Scape distinctly smaller than the first joint of the flagellum.
Scutellum flat, keeled laterally at the base. Mesosternum bordered
on its basal half by a deep furrow. Areolet 5-angled; the transverse
basal interstitial; the transverse median nervure in hind wings broken
far below the middle; the stigma is longish; the radius originates
from its middle, the transverse median nervure is interstitial. Abdo-
men long and slender, flat above, the post-petiole distinctly bent ; the
last two segments with large pale membraneous depression ; the last
segment bluntly pointed; the ovipositor projects; its sheaths are
broad. The spiracles on the first segments are placed close to the
apex; there are distinct depressions (gastrocceli) on the base of the
second segment; the post-petiole is not keeled. The legs are
moderately stout; the basal joints of the flagellum are greatly elon-
cated; the parapsidal furrows are indistinct; the posterior median
area is not separated; there are no teeth on the median segment; the
abdomen is longer than usual, being longer than the head and thorax
united; its second segment is as long as the petiole, and is twice
longer than wide; the disco-cubital nervure is angled near the middle,
but not broken.
Belongs to the Phygadeuonini, and comes, in Ashmead’s
table, close to Panargyrops.
LINYCUS RUFIPES, Sp. NOv.
Black; the median segment and the middle of the post-petiole
red; the face except in the centre, clypeus, the mandibles except at
the apex, the inner orbits from opposite the base of the antenna, a
NEW ICHNEUMONIDA FROM INDIA, ETC. 235
broader band round the top of the eyes, the lower two-thirds of the
lower outer orbits, the upper and lower edge of the propleure, the
tubercles, the lower half of the mesopleure, the tegule, an irregular
mark on the centre of the mesonotum, the scutellum and post-scutellum,
pale yellow. There is a curved pale yellow mark on the base of the
second segment, there is a narrow yellow line on its apex, a narrower
one on the base of the third, and a semicircular mark—the base
rounded, the apex transverse—on the fifth and sixth segments, pale
yellow. Legs rufous, the four front coxe and trochanters pale yellow;
hinder cox black, with a yellow line in the centre above; the hinder
trochanters, apex of tibie and tarsi blackish. Wings hyaline; the
nervures blackish ; the stigma testaceous. ?. Length 6 mm.
Hab. Trincomali, Ceylon (Col. Yerbury).
Face closely, the clypeus sparsely in the centre punctured; the
front and vertex more strongly punctured, with a small smooth curved
spot on the top of the front. Thorax closely punctured; the scutellum
and post-scutellum smooth; the base of the median segment and the
areola smooth; the apical slope of the segment closely transversely
striated, the centre with the strize more distinct and more clearly
separated than they are on the sides. The large central part of the
post-petiole is raised and clearly separated from the more depressed
sides ; its apex is obscure yellow; the second and third segments are
shagreened; the others smooth and shining.
JOPPINI.
Lortyeia, gen. nov.
Antenne thickened and dilated at the apex. Scutellum not much
raised above the mesonotum, its sides distinctly keeled to near the
apex. Base of median segment widely depressed; the areola large,
obliquely narrowed towards the base, which is closed, and is widely
separated from the base of the segment, to which it is not united by a
petiolar area; the segment is completely areolated and bluntly spined
on the sides. Areolet 5-angled, wide above; the disco-cubital nervure
with a stump; the transverse median nervure is received very shortly
behind the transverse basal. Malar space large, as long as the scape
of the antenne. Apex of clypeus transverse; the clypeus projecting.
Petiole long and slender ; its apical third becoming gradually wider to
the apex, the post-petiole not being clearly separated, and smooth and
shining. Gastrocceli indistinct, bordered on the outer side by a deep,
clearly defined furrow; the segments smooth. The male has the
antenne serrate; the ventral fold is on the second and third segments.
The body is rufous in colour, with hyaline wings; the tarsi are much
longer than the tibie; both are sparsely and weakly spined; the apices
of the tarsal joints more thickly than the rest of them. Metathoracic
spiracles linear. The abdomen in the male has seven segments; the
last large, bluntly pointed, as long as the preceding. ‘There is a stout
oblique keel behind the middle of the propleure.
This genus appears to be intermediate between the Joppini
and the Amblypygi. From its more completely areolated meta-
thorax, it may be referred to the latter. The apex of the abdomen
236 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
in my female specimen is broken off; but in the male it is twice
the length of the thorax The body is for the greater part rufous,
with the apex of the abdomen black; the wings are unspotted.
The characteristic features are the keeled scutellum, the areola
longer than wide and broadly rounded behind, the long slender
abdominal petiole, and the long, deep, narrow gastroccell.
LoRTYGIA RUFA, Sp. NOV.
Rufous; the four apical segments of the abdomen, an oblique line
below the middle of the propleure, a similar line below the fore wings,
one on the lower half of the apex of the mesopleure, the depressions
round the scutellum, the greater part of the base of the median segment
and the apex of the posterior median area largely, black; the antenne
rufous, the apex broadly black; the wings hyaline, with a slight
fulvous tinge; the stigma dark testaceous; the nervures blackish. ?
and g. Length 18 mm.
Hab. Khasia Hills (coll. Rothney).
Face closely, the clypeus more sparsely punctured; the vertex and
* front are more closely punctured ; the eye orbits are pallid yellow, the
inner above sharply margined. Mandibles black at the apex. Scutellum
more sparsely and strongly punctured than the mesonotum. Except
in the centre at the base and on the sides of the areola, the median
segment is closely and distinctly and rather strongly punctured.
Petiole smooth; the second and third segments closely punctured ;
the gastrocceli obsolete; the base of the segment closely punctured
like its centre. The fourth abdominal segment may be black, wholly
or in part.
CALLAJOPPA, gen. nov. ;
Scutellum pyramidal, with a long oblique apical slope. Basal
depression of the median segment wide and deep; the areola small,
smooth, and shining, rounded behind and not margined there; the
apex transverse; there are five apical are, all clearly defined, this
being also the case with the spiracular. Labrum projecting. Apex
of clypeus transverse, its foveee deep. Antenne stout; the third joint
not much longer than the fourth. Areolet 4-angled, the nervures
touching on the top; the disco-cubital nervure with a large stump of
a nervure; the transverse median nervure not interstitial, being
received shortly beyond the transverse basal. Abdomen not much
longer than the head and thorax united; with eight segments, the
last small and with large cerci; the apex of the abdomen broad and
bluntly rounded; the segments minutely punctured, almost smooth
and distinctly shining.
Comes close to Dimetha, which has a similarly formed median
seement and smooth, not margined, small areola ; but it may be
known from the present genus by the scutellum not being pyra-
midal, by the abdomen being longer and narrower, by the wings
being clouded at the apex, by the disco-cubital and recurrent
nervures not being broken by the stump of a nervure. Hrythro-
joppa is also nearly related; its occiput is sharply keeled; the
NEW ICHNEUMONID# FROM INDIA, ETC. 237
abdomen longer and narrower, with the segments punctured and
striated, the temples more sharply obliquely narrowed, straight,
not rounded, as in the present species.
CALLAJOPPA BILINEATA, Sp. NOV.
Rufo-testaceous; the mesonotum, except for two lines in the
middle, the pleurx, the metanotum, except at the base, the fourth and
following segments of the abdomen and the greater part of the hinder
cox ; the centre of the front and vertex and the greater part of the
occiput, which are black; the antennze of a more yellowish paler
colour, with the apex black; the wings hyaline, with a distinct
yellowish tinge; the stigma testaceous; the nervures darker. ?.
Length 24 mm.
Hab. Japan.
Face and base of clypeus punctured; the vertex more sparsely
punctured; the depressed front smooth and shining; the ocellar region
projects into its centre as a sharp-point wedge. Mesonotum closely
and uniformly, but not strongly, punctured; its sides depressed and
rufous; the scutellum almost impunctate. Median segment coarsely,
closely, transversely striated, except at the base, which is finely rugose;
the pleurz are coarsely obliquely striated. Pro- and mesopleure more
strongly and closely punctured than the mesonotum; the depression
and apex of the propleure striated. The petiole is depressed in the
centre, the sides being distinctly raised, forming stout keels; the
centre of the post-petiole is depressed, the depressed part being finely
longitudinally striated. Gastrocceli deep, smooth, with a few strize
above on the inner side; the space between them is not striated.
AMBLYPYGI.
PLATYLABUS FERRUGINEUS, Sp. Nov.
Ferrugineous ; the eye orbits, the base of the propleure, and the
tubercles pale yellow ; wings hyaline; the nervures and stigma black;
the flagellum of the antenne blackish from behind the middle. @.
Length 5 mm.
Hab. Trincomali, Ceylon (Yerbury).
Head closely punctured; the face more strongly than the front or
vertex; the apex of the clypeus and the labrum smooth. Thorax
closely punctured ; the scutellum more shining and only sparsely and
indistinctly punctured. Areola longer than broad, open behind, its
apex transverse ; aciculated; the posterior median area almost smooth,
its base obscurely striated; the other arew are more closely and
strongly punctured; the sides in the middle bear a short spine.
Petiole aciculated; the other segments are more distinctly punctured.
Gastroceli shallow. Areolet 4-angled; the nervures uniting above ;
the lower side angularly projecting below the cubitus.
HALIPHERA, gen. nov.
Scutellum roundly convex. Median segment longish, its apex
with a rather steep slope, its sides toothed; the areola large, fully
twice longer than broad, open at the base and apex. Abdomen longer
238 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
than the head and thorax united; with eight dorsal segments; on the
back they are rather flat; gastroceeli small, the space between not
striated. Ventral fold on the third and fourth segments. Tarsi
covered thickly with pubescence and more sparsely spined. The
antenne are stout, compressed beyond the middle and broadly ringed
with white. Apex of clypeus transverse; it is not separated from the
face. Labrum hidden. Hypopygium large, cultriform, but not cover-
ing the terebra. Apical two segments spotted with yellow.
May be known from Amblyteles, to which it is most closely
related, by the longer median segment, with its longer areola,
and by the distinctly roundly convex scutellum.
HALIPHERA MACULIPES, sp. Nov.
Black ; the sides of the clypeus, the face, except in the centre, the
inner orbits—broader above than below—the lower half of the outer,
the palpi, a broad band, obliquely curved below, on the edge of the
pronotum, the lower part of the propleure behind, a mark on the
middle of the mesonotum, the scutellums, the middle of the median
segment—the mark narrowed above, rounded below—the tubercles, a
large mark on the middle of the mesopleure—narrowed gradually and
rounded behind—a large oval mark on the metapleure, the post-
petiole, a mark on the sides of the second and third segments, a small
mark on the top of the penultimate, and the whole of the last segment,
bright lemon-yellow. Legs yellow; the four front femora above, the
base of the lower part of the hind coxe, the trochanters, the basal and
apical third of the hinder femora, and the apex of the tibie, black.
Wings hyaline; the stigma brown; the nervures darker. Scape of
antenne yellow in the middle below; the middle of the flagellum with
a broad white band. @. Length 18 mm.
Hab. Darjeeling.
Face closely, the clypeus much more sparsely, punctured, and
thickly covered with short white pubescence. The upper part of the
front in the centre transversely, irregularly striated ; the lower part
of the ocellar region obliquely, the vertex behind the ocelli closely ©
striated. Mesonotum closely rugosely punctured, the scutellum
smooth. Median segment closely rugosely punctured at the base; the
sides from near the apex of the spiracles transversely reticulated ; the
sides of the apical slope widely and irregularly reticulated; the spira-
cular area below the spiracles stoutly obliquely striated; the teeth
stout, bluntly rounded. Pleure closely punctured. Abdominal petiole
to near the apex aciculated and sparsely punctured; the post-petiole
almost smooth in the centre, the sides distinctly, but not closely
punctured ; the basal half of the second segment finely and closely
striated. Gastrocceli deep, smooth.
HARsAcEs, gen. nov.
Scutellum flat, its sides at the base keeled to the middle. Areola
twice longer than broad, its basal half narrowed, the keels there
curving roundly inwardly and not quite reaching to the base. Post-
petiole longer than the narrowed basal part, three times its width, the
central part clearly separated. Metathoracice spiracles three times
NEW ICHNEUMONIDA FROM INDIA, ETC. 239
longer than wide. Gastroceli deep. The ventral fold projects out-
wardly on the second to fourth segments, forming a broad margin
along the lower edge. Areolet 5-angled; the nervures wide apart
above. Fore tarsi with some spines. The abdomen is bluntly pointed
at the apex; its back is roundly convex; the temples broad, the
mandibles broad, bidentate—the middle area of the post-petiole is
clearly separated and for the most part smooth.
Comes near to Platylabis, from which it may be known by the
flat seutellum, much larger and longer, compared with its width,
areola, and by the large, broader, and more distinctly separated
petiole.
HARSACES NIGRIPES, Sp. NOv.
Black; densely covered with white pubescence; the second and
third abdominal segments red; the inner eye orbits, sides of clypeus,
and two marks on the apex of the scutellum pale yellow; the fore
tibie slightly testaceous; the wings hyaline; the nervures and stigma
black. 2. Length 7 mm.
Hab. Himalaya.
Antenne black, covered with a microscopic pile. Face and clypeus
closely, strongly, and uniformly punctured; the front and vertex are,
if anything, more closely punctured. Apical half of mandibles rufo-
piceous. Maxillary palpi pale yellow. Thorax closely, uniformly,
and distinctly punctured; the punctures on the scutellum are more
widely separated. Areola smooth; its edges depressed. Calcaria
white. The middle and apex of the central area of the post-petiole
are smooth; the rest of the segment and all the others closely
punctured.
OXYVPYGE
TAPHANES, gen. nov.
Areola not separated behind, large, roundly contracted in the
middle, separated from the lateral aree. Abdomen with eight seg-
ments; the post-petiole clearly separated; gastrocceli deep; the last
segments sharply pointed ; sheaths of the ovipositor largely projecting ;
the ventral keel distinct on the second and third segments only.
Antenne stout, dilated beyond the middle. Labrum visible. Scutellum
flat. Areolet 5-angled, narrowed above; the disco-cubital nervure
with the stump of a nerve. Legs short and stout; the tarsi spinose.
Belongs to the Oxypygi. May be known by the largely pro-
jecting sheaths of the ovipositor, and by the large areola open
behind, and roundly narrowed in the middle. ‘The temples are
of moderate size; the occiput is roundly incised; the post-
scutellum bifoveate at the base ; the apex of the median segment
has a gradually rounded slope. In Ashmead’s arrangement this
genus would come near Hxephanes.
TAPHANES RUFIVENTRIS, Sp. NOV.
Black; the outer and inner orbits, the face, clypeus, labrum, a tri-
angular mark on the base of the mandibles, palpi, a line on the apical
two-thirds of the pronotum, two lines in the middle of the mesonotum,
240 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
the scutellum, except for a black line, widest on the basal half, in the
centre, the post-scutellum, an oblique mark, widest on the lower half,
on the sides of the metanotum at the apex, the tubercles, the lower half
of the mesonotum, and a large mark on the metapleure, below and
touching the keel, yellow. Antenne black, the middle whitish, the
apex fuscous, the scape yellow below. The four front legs are pallid
yellow, the femora and tibie broadly marked with black behind, the
femora tinged with rufous above, the hinder coxe black, broadly yellow
at the apex above and more narrowly at the apex below, the trochanters
yellow, the basal half of the hinder femora, the apical half, as are also
the tarsi, black. Wings hyaline, the stigma fuscous. Abdomen rufous,
the petiole and the apical two segments black, the apex of the petiole
yellow. ¢@. Length, 11 mm.
Hab. Darjeeling.
Face and clypeus, except the latter at the sides, punctured; there
is a deep furrow outside the hinder ocelli; the occiput is sharply mar-
gined. Mesonotum punctured, but not very closely or deeply ; the
scutellum sparsely punctured. Base of median segment aciculated,
the keels indistinct ; the apical three aree are distinctly defined and
closely and coarsely punctured, as is also the spiracular. The centre
of the post-petiole is longitudinally punctured ; the gastrocceli deep,
smooth, except for some strie at the base; the space between is longi-
tudinally striated to near the end of the segment. Pleurx closely
punctured ; the apex of the pro- obliquely and somewhat irregularly
striated. Post-petiole strongly punctured throughout, as are also the
other abdominal segments. ‘Tarsi longer than usual. The ventral
keel extends on to the fifth segment; the last abdominal segment is
bluntly rounded ; the second and third segments, and to a less extent
the fourth, are closely striated; there are seven segments, the last
being nearly as large as the preceding. Metanotum short; the areex,
with the exception of the areola, punctured, the basal less strongly
than the others; all the arex, including the petiolar, are distinctly
defined.
LEPTOTHECUS, gen. nov.
Median segment large, distinctly longer than broad, its apex
spined, and with a somewhat steep, not rounded, slope; the areola
coffin-shaped, open at the base, elongate, fully three times longer than
broad, transverse at the apex. Scutellum flat. Apex of clypeus
broadly transverse. Labrum projecting. Antenne broadly ringed
with white, not much dilated beyond the middle. Abdominal petiole
long and slender, becoming gradually, but not much, wider towards
the apex; there are seven segments; the last is large, two-thirds of
the length of the penultimate ; the sheath of the ovipositor largely
projecting, as long as the apical two segments united ; the ventral fold
not defined. Areolet 5-angled, narrowed above; there is a stump of
a nervure on the disco-cubital. Tarsi spinose; the hinder tibie nar-
rowed at the base. The thorax is longer than usual; with the head it
is as long as the abdomen. The latter becomes gradually narrowed
from the base of the fourth segment ; the last two segments are marked
with white. Hinder legs much longer than the others.
Belongs to the Oxypygi. May be known by the elongated
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 241
spined median segment, with its elongated coffin-shaped areola,
confluent with the lateral ares at the base; by the long pro-
jecting ovipositor; and by the smooth impunctate abdomen,
with its small gastroccell.
(To be continued.)
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
Parasrres on Larv® or Macroruytacia rus1.—On the 17th of July
I found the young larvee of Macrothylacia (Bombyx) rubi very plentiful
on the South Downs, resting at full length on the stems of grass. On
several of those I took home I noticed what I imagined to be eggs of
some parasitic fly, the kind one often finds on larve. Having many
times successfully reared the perfect insect from larve from which I
had removed such eggs, I started on these and destroyed them with a
pair of pliers. One or two of these caterpillars had four or five
attached to them, favourite spots being at the side of the head and on
the base of the claspers. Just as I was dealing with the last it fell off
the larva, and as I was about to squash it as it lay at the bottom of
the box, I was surprised to see it commence crawling. I at once cap-
tured it and examined it through a microscope, using a low power, and
found it to be, I believe, the larva of a mite. The following is a de-
scription :—Colour light reddish brown. Body oval, a shade broader
posteriorly, very shiny and sparsely covered with straight black bristles,
coarse and blunt. Legs six in number, and, like the body, sparsely
covered with black bristles, but much finer and shorter. In front and
behind each of the front legs is a rather long curved bristle, unlike
the others, as it gets finer towards the end. Rostrum and palpi very
prominent, attached to the body by a slender and very flexible neck.
Rostrum long, pointed, and, I think, slightly curved downwards.
Palpi not so long. On the 5th of this month I again went to the
downs, took a dozen more larve, and found them all quite free from
these little crawlers. I have never found larve attacked in this way
before, and would like to know whether it is a common occurrence.—
J.T. Brrv; The Lodge, Cowfold, Sussex, Aug. 17th, 1903.
Smerimntuus poputt DousLtE-BroopED.—F rom about one hundred
ova of S. populi, which started to hatch about May 28th, I obtained
about fifty larvee. These commenced to pupate on June 23rd, and by
June 30th all had gone down. I did not disturb the pupe, but on
Aug. 12th utilised the cage containing them for some larve of S. ocel-
latus. I looked in the cage to-day (Aug. 14th) to see if the S. ocellatus
larvee required fresh food, and observed, just by the head of one of the
larve, about a dozen pale green eggs on the willow twig. Closer
examination disclosed thirteen S. populi, five males and eight females,
the males being all dead, and most of the females busily engaged ovi-
positing. The larve from which these imagines resulted were reared
under conditions in no way tending to produce this remarkable result ;
ENTOM.—SEPTEMBER, 1908. U
249 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
as soon as they were about half an inch long I sleeved them on poplar
(out of doors), and there they remained till ready to go down. I then
enclosed them in a breeding-cage, which was kept out of doors until I
discovered that the moths had emerged. The imagines are smaller
and darker than the first brood.—B. Srovett; 25, Studley Road,
Clapham, S.W.
YELLow Cotourine or Cocoon or Puusia moneta.—As Mr. Bird’s
theory is disputed by Mr. Smallman (ante, p. 217), I should like to say
that, having had P. moneta cocoons for several years, I have always
found that moisture had the effect of turning the cocoons bright yellow.
This first occurred to my notice through sprinkling water on the cocoons
with a hair-brush. When I next inspected them they had turned bright
yellow. Permanent white cocoons have not come under my notice,
but of course there may be such. P. moneta is now very common, and
anyone can make the experiment with the hair-brush.—A. Rostnson ;
Bretanely, Chislehurst, Aug. 4th, 1908.
Mr. Smallman does not mention having tried the effect of water on
the ‘permanent white cocoon.” If he has, and found that it did not
turn the fabric yellow, it would be interesting to know whether the
cocoon experimented upon was a fresh one or not. It may be that the
colour-producing element in the silk deteriorates with age, and in an
old enough cocoon ceases to be affected by moisture.— J. F. Birp;
The Lodge, Cowfold, Sussex, Aug. 4th, 1903.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
Gynanprous Hesperia acrmon.—On July 16th last I took, near
Swanage, a very good specimen of the above, the left side having male
markings and the right side female. The specimen is now in the col-
lection of Sir Vannery Crewe, Bart.—A. Forp; ‘ Hillside,” Sunnyhill
Road, Pokesdown, Hants.
Puusia curysitis In Sourn Lonpon. — Plusia chrysitis came into
my study to the light last week ; first time I have taken this insect so
near London. Triphena ianthina has also been a visitor.—W. Dannatt;
75, Vanburgh Park, Blackheath, Aug. 17th, 19038.
Pronea (Hsunea) stacuypatis 1n Surrey.—Last year I recorded
this species from the Hsher district (Entom. xxxv. 244). On July
25th last I captured a rather worn specimen at Byfleet.—Ricuarp
Sours ; 96, Drakefield Road, Upper Tooting, S.W.
DEILEPHILA LIvoRNIcA aT Bournemoutu.—lIt is with pleasure that I
forward a record of the capture of D. livornica. On March 27th last
my daughter was fortunate enough to find a large ‘hawk ”’ at rest on
the rough grass, on the Hast Cliff at Bournemouth. She took it to a
chemist, by whom it was unskilfully killed and rather rubbed, though
it is still in very fair condition. In the journey home the luggage was
unfortunately lost, and only after some months was the bag containing
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 248
the insect recovered, so that I have only now been able to identify it.
When found it was in absolutely perfect condition, and apparently just
emerged. Does not this look as though it had been bred on British
soil ?—(Rev.) A. Naso; Standish Vicarage, Stonehouse, Glos.
Arcria cata, YELLow Var.—For the last few years I have collected
innumerable larve of A. catia, with the hope of breeding the yellow
variety, but have never been successful. To-day, however, Nature herself
has supplied me with the variety, which breeding in captivity failed to
do. I found the specimen—a female—lying upon its back on a garden
path, having been disabled apparently by a bat, although it is practically
none the worse as far as condition is concerned. It was by pure acci-
dent I picked it up, for I was quite unaware of the aberration of the
moth until I reached home some little time after.—F. G. Brtuamy ;
Ringwood, Aug. 5th, 1903.
Lepipoptera at Exectric Licut.—I thought the following list of
insects, taken by myself and friends in this neighbourhood (South
Norwood), might be of interest, being so near to London. They were
all taken on four visits during the first and second weeks in July last :—
Cossus ligniperda (8), Zeuzera esculi (3), Acronycta leporina (2), Karias
chlorana (1), Plusia gamma (5), P. moneta (2). P. chrysitis (1), Smerinthus
populi (2), 8. ocellatus (1), Mamestra persicaria (20), Amphidasys betularia
(20), including five very fine dark specimens, closely approaching var.
doubledayaria ; Leucoma salicis (2), Uropterya sambucaria (a nuisance),
Dicranura vinula (1), Acronycta aceris (4), Ad. megacephala (in plenty),
Axylia putris (2), Noctua plecta (2), Spilosoma menthastri (8), Pterostoma
palpina (1), Epione apiciaria (1), Rumia crategata (in plenty), Mamestra
brassica (3), Bryophila perla (2), Dipterygia pinastri (scabriuscula) (2),
Apamea ophiogramma (1), Cucullia umbratica (1), Hupithecia centaureata
(1), Caradrina morpheus (5), C. blanda ? (2), and Mania maura (1). I
have never heard of the last-named being taken quite so early before
(July 3rd).—A. J. Lawrencn, Anerley.
Summer Norzs (1903) rrom tHe Sauispury Disrrict.—The follow-
ing notes date from May 20th to the beginning of August. Thanks to
the fickle weather and my work, I was unfortunately unable to do
nearly as much collecting as I should have liked, and my captures,
although including many interesting species, can in no way be con-
sidered representative of the lepidopterous fauna of the district. The
country around Salisbury certainly looks very promising for entomology.
There is so much variety—the chalk-downs, the marshes in the vicinity
of the River Avon, small beech-woods, and larger woods of oak and birch
at no very great distance. Most of my collecting was done quite near
Salisbury, and between Wilton and Wishford, a few miles west of
Salisbury. May 22nd was spent at Rhinefield, in the New Forest;
July 10th, at Romsey; and July 21st and 24th, at Stonehenge.
Commencing with the butterflies :—Gonepteryx rhamni, seen up to
the end of May, and from June 28rd the larve were found on buck-
thorn. P. brassicae, P. rapi, P.napi, allabundant. Anthocharis carda-
mines, common till about the end of June, and a full-grown larva taken
in the garden, July 16th. Argynnis aglaia, common at Stonehenge;
and either this or A. adippe also, at Romsey. Brenthis (Argynnis)
944 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
euphrosyne, abundant in June. Limenitis sibylia (larve), in Rhinefield.
Melanargia galatea, in fine condition and very locally, near Romsey.
Parage egeria, common, but worn, Rhinefield. Satyrus semele (July),
Old Sarum and Stonehenge. Fpinephele ianira and E. tithonus, both
abundant. Canonympha pamphilus, abundant. Vanessa urtice, com-
mon. V. polychloros, one full-grown larva found on the Cathedral
Green under a wych elm, July 20th. Thecla rubi, one, near Wilton,
June 5th. Nemeobius lucina, taken sparingly, near Wilton, early in June.
Tycena icarus, abundant. L. agestis, fairly common, near Wishford.
L. corydon, just (August) out on the downs. Cyaniris argiolus, near Wilton,
June 5th. Cupido minima, excessively abundant in sheltered nooks on
the downs; I netted four at one stroke. Hesperia sylvanus, H. linea,
Thanaos tages, and Syrichthus malve complete my list of Rhopalocera.
As regards moths, I did scarcely any night-work, and no sugaring
at all. A pair of Sphina ligustri, looking very huge, taken at rest on
& post on Laverstock Down. Smerinthus populi, seen on the street-
lamps, and a pupa of S. tilie found. Cherocampa elpenor, taken one
evening, flying at phlox in the garden; and a single C. porcellus found
resting on the ground near a patch of its food-plant, on Laverstock
Down. Macroglossa fuciformis was out at Rhinefield when I went
over, May 22nd. Anthrocera trifolii, common near Romsey, July 10th ;
and A. filipendule at Stonehenge and on the downs. Hepialus lupu-
linus and Nola cucullatella fairly common. Gnophria rubricollis, seen
near Wilton; and a short series of Lithosia sororcula (aureola) obtained
from the same locality in May and the beginning of June. A single
Cybosia mesomella, taken near Romsey. Fuchelia jacobea, generally
common. A few larve of Arctia caia, seen early in the year. Spilo-
soma menthastri and 8S. lubricipeda extremely common at light, and
S. mendica taken at Rhinefield. Males of Dasychira pudibunda seen on
the lamps. Larve and imagos of Orgyia antiqua abundant in July.
A web of Eriogaster lanestris larve taken near Salisbury, July 11th,
many of the larve not half-grown, and most of them stung; I also
took two larger ones at Romsey. Malacosoma (Bombyx) neustria and
Odonestis potatoria were both found commonly in the larval state. Two
examples of Gastropacha (Lastocampa) quercifolia taken, the first hanging
from a very small blackthorn bush, and the other on a street-lamp,
July 29th and August 8rd. Larve of Cerwra vinula and Notodonta
dictea found on aspen, the latter being full-grown July 5th, and imagos
emerged early in August. Phalera bucephala, common. Lophopteryx
camelina, at light. Drepana falcataria, near Wilton.
The following Noctuze were noticed :—Bryophila perla (common),
Acronycta psi (?), Gonophora derasa, Leucania pallens, L. impura,
L, straminea (one, taken in the Avon marshes among a host of common
Leucanias), L. conigera, Cymatophora diluta (a larva, near Wilton),
Aylophasia polyodon, X. lithorylea, X. hepatica, X. rurea (a few),
X. sublustris (one, beaten from beech, Laverstock Down), Apamea gemina
(on posts), A. didyma (oculea) (abundant), Miana strigilis, M. furuncula,
Mamestra brassice, M. anceps, M. persicaria, Agrotis puta, A. eaclama-
tionis, A. segetum, Hadena oleracea, H. thalassina (one), H. geniste (took
a dozen in one day from posts near Wilton), H. dentina (on posts, very
abundant and variable), Hecatera serena (fairly common on posts;
larve swept commonly at Stonehenge), Dianthacia nana (conspersa) (a
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 245
nice little series from a fence at Laverstock), D. capsincola (one imago ;
larve common in white campion), D. carpophaga (larve obtained com-
monly on Laverstock Down in July, by picking handfuls of bladder
campion and shaking them into an umbrella), Plusia gamma, P. chry-
sitis (common in the garden), P. iota (larva), P. moneta (larve in the
garden), Triphena pronuba, T. interjecta (one, near Wilton), Grammesia
trigrammica, Noctua plecta, Nenia typica, Amphipyra tragopogonis (larva),
Gonoptera libatriaz, Acontia luctuosa (Laverstock). Huclidia mi, Cucullia
umbratica (very abundant on posts during May, June, and early part of
July ; larve swept at Stonehenge at end of July). C. verbasct (larvee
common on Verbascum in June and July; moth taken in the garden in
May). Habrostola urtice (a few to light); also larve of Orthosia lota,
Teniocampa cruda (pulverulenta), T. munda, T. stabilis, Scopelosoma
satellitia, and Calymnia trapezina.
The following Deltoids were noticed :—Hypena proboscidalis, H.
rostralis, Pechypogon barbalis (near Wilton), Zanclognatha grisealis (near
Wilton), and Rivula sericealis (in the marshes).
Geometre :— Uropteryx sambucaria, Rumia crategata (luteolata),
Boarmia rhomboidaria, B. repandata (one in the garden), Tephrosia con-
sonaria (Rhinefield), T. crepuscularia (near Wilton), 7’, luridata and
T. punctulata (near Wilton), Metrocampa margaritaria, Venilia maculata,
Amphidasys betularia, Phigalia pedaria (pilosaria) larve near Wilton.
Odontopera bidentata, Furymene dolabraria (near Wilton), Cleora liche-
narta (two localities near Salisbury), Cabera pusaria, Asthena candidata,
A. luteata (one, Old Sarum), Acidalia incanaria, Iodis lactearia, Hemithea,
thymiaria, Acidalia trigeminata (abundant), H’phyra porata, EH. punctaria,
EF. trilinearia, EH. omicronaria (one; all the Ephyras near Wilton),
Numeria pulveraria (a few near Wilton), Strenta clathrata (locally
abundant), Halia vauaria, Macaria liturata (Laverstock), Abraxas gros-
sulariata, Ligdia adustata, Lomaspilis marginata, Minoa euphorbiata (a
few near Wilton), Larentia pectinitaria (abundant), L. didymata, Kupi-
thecia pulchellata (one, Laverstock), EF. subfulvata (one, to light), F.
venosata (larve from bladder campion, Laverstock), KH. pusiilata (a
short series beaten from spruce firs in Rhinefield), /. subnotata, F. cen-
taureata, Anticlea rubidata (one), Melanthia ocellata, Melanippe rivata, M.
subtristata, M. fluctuata, M. montanata (near Wilton), Fidonia piniaria,
Panagra petraria, Cidaria corylata (near Wilton), UC. dotata, Coremia ?
ferrugata, Thera variata (Rhinefield), Chetmatobia brumata (larve), C.
boreata (larve near Wilton). Hybernia defoliaria and other Hybernia
larvee very abundant near Wilton. Hypsipetes elutata (very abundant),
Eubolia binunctata, E. cervinaria (larve on mallow at Wishford), Sco-
tosia vetulata (locally abundant}, S. rhamnata, S. dubitata (larve very
abundant), Camptogramma bilineata, Anaitis plagiata, Mesotype virgata
(locally common at Stonehenge).
Pyralides :—Botys ruralis, Scopula olivalis, S. prunalis, Pionea forfi-
calis, Hydrocampa stagnata, Aglossa pinguinalis, Hbulea sambucalis (one),
FE, crocealis (one, Romsey), Hurrhypara urticata, Orobena eatimalis
(margaritalis) (a few on Laverstock Down ; also a few others undeter-
mined). A few Aphomia sociella came indoors to light.
The weather was most unfavourable for dragonflies. Calopteryx
splendens seemed to be pretty generally distributed, and was taken in
Salisbury, by the canal at Romsey, and at Wishford. C. virgo was out
246 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
in the New Forest when I went over on May 22nd. The only other
species I noticed were Libellula depressa, in the New Forest and near
Wilton; Pyrrhosoma nymphula, New Forest, Romsey, and Salisbury ;
Ischnura elegans, Romsey and Salisbury; and Agrion puella, Romsey.
Coleoptera :—Numerous, but not yet named.—F. M. B. Carr;
46, Handen Road, Lee, 8.E.
Norges on a Coxuection or Burrerrires From Brirrany. — To
record at this distance of time the results of three months’ casual
collecting in 1899 may seem to savour of official methods. I can only
apologise for my want of industry, and trust that the indulgent reader
will think this a case in which the proverb ‘ Better late than never”
holds good.
Val André, where this collection was formed, is a small plage on
the Bay of St. Brieuc, in the Department of Cotes-du-Nord. The
nearest railway station is Lamballe, about nine miles away. For nine
months of the year Val André consists largely of unoccupied furnished
houses, but it fills up to an astonishing degree after midsummer. The
coast scenery resembles that of South Devon from the Start to Bolt-
tail, but is less bold. There are several glens running inland, where
tiny streams find their way to the sea, and these are productive of
sport to the Nimrod of the net.
I reached Val André at the beginning of May, 1899, but the weather
was not at the outset very propitious. It so happened that I had to
send to England for some apparatus, and this was mysteriously de-
layed. At last it was discovered at Lamballe; the authorities had
detained it because the contents were not specified outside the parcel,
and it was only after some persuasion that they delivered it up to its
rightful owner. By May 18th I had seen Vanessa cardwi, V. atalanta,
V. urticea, Pieris rape, Cenonympha pamphilus, and Papilio machaon.
V. cardui was very common on the coast, and it was there also that we
saw an occasional P. machaon. It was odd to see this splendid butter-
fly, which one associates with the peaceful sunshine of the fens,
careering about on the steep rock-bound coast. Later in May I saw
or took Lycena icarus, Colias edusa, Pararge megera, Melitea cinxia,
Euchloé cardamines, Gonepteryx rhamni, Colias hyale, Polyommatus
phicas, and Pieris brassicae. On May 81st I took two Nemeobius lucina
in a valley near Nantois. Melitea cinzia was extraordinarily common
about this time. There was a hayfield close to the house where I was
staying, which simply swarmed with whatever butterflies were in
season. After the hay was carried the field produced a plentiful crop
of vetch, and Lycena betica, Aporia crategi, Colias hyale, not to men-
tion less interesting species, could be taken in profusion by stepping
outside the door. Two years ago I happened to find myself at Val
André for a day, and was sorry to see that this happy hunting-ground
had been fenced in.
A ramble with a net in the direction of Nantois on June 7th pro-
duced Syrichthus malve, Thecla rubi, Epinephele ianira, and another N.
lucina. By this time M. cinvia was beginning to look rather worn. A
little later in the month Melanargia galatea and Aporia crategi put in
an appearance. On June 22nd an expedition to a wood a mile or two
inland produced two specimens of Canonympha iphis. The colouring
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. DAT
of the under side of this butterfly, simple as it is, seems to me to be
one of the beauties of the insect world, Horace’s simplex munditirs,
though the phrase had a very different inspiration, seems to fit this
butterfly exactly. I also took a worn specimen of Melita athalia, and
an example of Pararge egeria; the latter I had seen one day in May
near Tréguier, but had not before this found in the Val André region.
I find a note that M. cinaia and A. crategi were still common on
July 9th, the former being mostly worn specimens. By this time
Argynnis paphia, Satyrus semele, and Hpinephele hyperanthes had appeared.
The last was particularly common in a glen called Petit Val, where I
took it and 9S. semele; also a specimen of Vanessa polychloros on July
9th. During this month I also took Lycena egon and Pieris napi, and
Hesperia thaumas and H. syivanus were common. On J uly 14th, in
one corner of an orchard in the Petit Val, on a bank overgrown with
broom and bramble, there were swarms of common things—galatea,
tithonus, ianira, thaumas, sylvanus, hyperanthes, &c.; and it was here
that I took a very bad specimen of Lycena arion. I secured an even
worse specimen on July 31st. My specimens of Lycena betica were
taken on July 19th in the field of vetch already mentioned. On the
following day I made an exceptionally good bag in the valley of Flora,
between Val André and Dahouet; the captures included a fine
Argynnis adippe var, cleodoxa (I did not take any of the ordinary form),
several A. aglaia and A. paphia, Vanessa c-album, atalanta, to, and
urtice, one Polyommatus dorilis male, one Thecla quercus, one C. edusa,
and one P. brassicae.
At this point my entomological diary comes for the time being to
an abrupt conclusion. However, it is my practice to attach a small
label with the date of capture to each specimen, so it is possible to
give the record of further captures up to my return to England in the
middle of August. The precise localities I cannot at this time recall,
but all the insects in the following list were taken in the neighbourhood
of Val André :—July 28th. Pyrgus malvarum (one), Lycena argiolus
(one male), Polyommatus dorilis (two males). 380th. Colias hyale (one),
Pieris rape (one). 31st. Lycena arion (one), Thecla ilicis (two),
Limenitis sibylla (several). August 2nd. Thecia betule (one). 8th.
P. dorilis (one male), 7’. betule (one), Pararge egeria (one). 11th. L.
argiolus (one female), P. doriiis (one female), P. phizas (one).
I am indebted to Mr. Doncaster, of the well-known firm in the
Strand, for identifying several species of which I was not certain.
I paid very little attention to the Heterocera during this visit, but
I find a note under the date May 18th that larvee of bomby« trifolit
were common. Macroglossa stellatarum was very common at the end
of May, and I believe some larve of Deilephila euphorbie were found in
the neighbourhood.-— Denis Turner; 2, Shalston Villas, Surbiton,
August 12th, 1903.
Tue New Foresr in Juty.—I was met at Brockenhurst Station by
a resident friend—a collector—on July 16th, whose first remark to me,
after the formal greeting, was ‘‘ There is nothing to be got here.”
That was not very cheering to a man who had looked forward to his
holidays since the date of those of the previous year, but the remark
doubtless was the echo of scores of other collectors in different parts
248 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
of the country, probably at the same moment. There is no doubt
about it: the New Forest is suffering from the effects of two bad
seasons in succession, to say nothing of that ‘‘worthy”’ exterminator,
the ‘dealer,’ whose ranks there are daily increasing, much to the
dismay of the poor collector, who arrives with the idea of having good
sport, and gets nothing, except the proverbial ‘‘hump’’; what little
there was had been wiped out. Leucophasia sinapis has not been seen
for some years, Apatura iris is gradually going, so also is Zygena
meliloti, and Limenitis sibylia will be the next to disappear probably ;
hundreds of the larve of this lovely species were grabbed by the
‘‘dealer,’’ and thousands of the imago go in like manner, so that it
stands to reason, if such unmerciful slaughter goes on, there will soon
be nothing left. I know of one instance myself this year where a
certain ‘dealer ’’ was netting all the L. sibylla he could possibly lay his
hands on, and then retailing them to schoolboys, &c., at one halfpenny
each. I should not wonder if he retired this season. We did a little
larvee-beating, but the only species so obtained were three very small
Dasychira pudibunda and one Moma orion. I secured four small
larve of Acronycta leporina a few days before I left, from alder.
Sugaring once again was a failure; the only insects that put in an
appearance were two Leucania lithargyra, four Thyatira derasa, one
Nola strigula (worn), a few Leucania turca, Calligena miniata, and one
Gnophira quadra. On the other hand, dusking over heather and in the
bogs produced very fair results, and the following were taken, but only
in small numbers :—Acidalia straminata, A. aversata, Gnophos obscurata
(dark forms), Pseuwdoterpna cytisaria, Selidosema plumaria (males only),
Eupithecia nanata, Pachycnemia hippocastanaria, A. inornata, A. scutu-
lata, Leucania impudens (worn), L. impura, L. pallens, and Lithosia
mesomelia. During the day some very nice Hyria muricata (auroraria)
were seen and captured, but they were more plentiful earlier in the
morning, at sunrise ; even then we only netted thirty in five journeys,
including one specimen quite purple all over. Lycena gon was in
some numbers, and very good in condition; also Hubolia palumbaria.
Leaving the heather, and entering the ‘“ rides’’ in the enclosures, the
following were noticed and captured:— Aryynnis paphia, Limenitis
sibylla (neither of these species was swarming as in previous years),
var. valesina of A. paphia (seven seen, five captured), H'pinephele titho-
nus, E. hyperanthus, and some larve of Macroglossa fuciformis from
honeysuckle. On the railway-bank, Satyrus semele were just coming
out, Hesperia linea was in plenty, but just getting over, and three
Phytometra enea (second brood) were taken. On our first evening’s
sugaring (which produced nothing) one example each of Thyatira batis
and Plusta chrysitis were taken at bramble-blossom, and at about
10 p.m. I netted one Epione apiciaria.—A. J. Lawrance ; Anerley, 8.H.
OBITUARY.
We have heard with very great regret that Mr. J. H. Fowler, of
Ringwood, died on Aug. 11th last. A further notice will appear in our
October issue.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vout. XXXVI.) OCTOBER. 1908. [No. 485.
ABERRATION OF LYCAiNA ICARUS.
Bess aes La se
x YY noc”
wee -
Upper surface not abnormal in coloration, but the under
surface is without ocelli and the discoidal mark on the fore
wings is less evident than it appears to be in the figure which is
reproduced from an excellent drawing by Mr. Horace Knight.
The colour of the under surface of fore wings is pale greyish white;
outer marginal band blackish, with a few orange scales on it
between veins 2 and 3, and also between 3 and 4. Hind wings
white, with some blue scales at the base; outer marginal lunules
orange. The specimen, which is a female in beautiful condition,
was captured by Mr. George EH. Bergman at Lulworth Cove,
Dorset, during the summer of the present year.
NOTES ON THE LIFE-HISTORY OF APORIA CRATAGI.
By A. U. Barttiey.
A FEMALE of this species, taken in East Kent on July 19th,
1902, was caged in an inverted glass-shade, the top having been
covered with leno and the base filled with damp sand, into which
some young whitethorn shoots were stuck. This was placed in
a sunny position, and the female fed on sugar every alternate
day. The following are extracts from my diary :—
ENTOM.—OCTOBER, 1908. X
250 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
August 1st.—Female dead, having deposited eggs during the
last twenty-four hours. These are shining golden yellow, of a
small size for the insect, ovoid in shape, and attached by one
end in close patches of about one hundred and nineteen and
twenty-one respectively on upper sides of two adjoining white-
thorn leaves, and forty-seven on under side of another leaf—say
about one hundred and eighty-seven in all.
August 26th.—Some of the ova are now turning lead-coloured.
August 29th.—About eight larve emerged.
August 31st.—Larve have not begun to feed yet, though
fresh whitethorn leaves are within one-eighth inch of them, they
appear to be spinning a web over the dead leaf close to the eggs
and resting thereon. Remainder of eggs developing a dark speck
at apex. (Note.—These eggs failed to hatch, not more than a
dozen emerging in all; possibly this was caused by the juices of
the partially dead leaf acting upon the eggs.)
September 1st.—Larve have now extended their web to a
living leaf, and are feeding on the under surface.
September 7th.—Changed food for first time, leaving larve
in web on old leaves, and dropping same on new leaves.
September 9th.—Larve have not moved for two days, and
appear to be hybernating.
September 13th.—Larve are feeding again.
September 16th.—Put some plum into cage.
September 18th.—Larve are eating plum freely, feeding only
on the under side of the leaf where a hawthorn leaf overlaps.
They remain in their nest during the day, and feed at night.
September 28th.—Put in more plum, larve having eaten the
under surface of about a square inch. There are now six larve
alive, one in second (?) skin, just ready to change, the others in
third skin, the longest being about a quarter of an inch. They
are very hairy, reminding one of young Malacosoma (Bombyx)
neustria. They have formed a tight nest of a curled dead leaf
attached to a living one, but chiefly rest on the denuded surface
of the living leaf.
October 5th.—Larve still feeding slowly. They have now
attached their nest very firmly to adjacent twigs by bands of
silk threads.
October 19th.—Larve have not left their nest for a week or
ten days, so removed the cage into a cool place in the garden for
hybernation.
March 21st, 1903.—Three larve out of hybernaculum. Re-
moved them from old web, and placed them on budding shoot of
whitethorn.
March 26th.—Larve have spun up in terminal shoot of white-
thorn, and are feeding on the entire leaves.
April 1st.—Larve now nearly three-eighths of an inch long.
They feed in the sunshine, retreating into their nest at night.
LIFE-HISTORY OF APORIA CRATAGI. 951
April 4th.—They now roam more from their nest by day.
April 9th.—One larva shed its winter coat, and is now much
more hairy and brightly coloured, much like Malacosoma (Bom-
byx) castrensis.
April 16th.—All three larve have now shed their winter coat,
the largest being five-eighths of an inch long.
April 17th.—Gave fresh food, whitethorn and plum, larve at
once attacking the latter.
April 21st.—Largest larva laid up for final moult. Only
slight traces of a web have been made since changing food.
May 1st.—Description of largest larva: About one inch long,
rather flabby; curls in a loose ring when touched, but immedi-
ately relaxes and crawls away; rests on a few silken threads
stretched over a plum-leaf; feeding rapidly in the sunlight.
Head and second segment black, dorsal line black, then a red
brown band interrupted by black at the divisions of the segments,
then another black band ending just above the spiracles ; ventral
area grey; spiracles nearly black. The whole body is clothed in
dense silky hairs, the longest nearly one-eighth inch long, all
erey on the ventral area, the longer ones on the other parts of
the body being also grey, while the short hairs on the red-brown
parts are red-brown. Legs black, claspers grey.
May 13th.—Largest larva forming silk pads for pupation,
being now one and a quarter inches long.
May 19th, 21st and 24th.—Dates of pupation. Pupa nearly
one inch long, pale greenish yellow, with dorsal line on thorax,
outlines of head and collar and entire ventral surface black; a
chain of black spots along the hind margin of wing-cases, and a
row of four or five large black spots across disc ; abdomen also
spotted with black. Point of head, spots on collar, and spira-
cular line bright yellow, towards which colour the ground colour
inclines in some places, notably thorax and dorsal line on
abdomen.
June 12th.—Second pupa developing for emergence. The
wing-case appears to have extended by the unfolding of a crease
on its hind margin, thus leaving a pale border beyond the chain
of black spots, both these and the discal spots being now seen to
be between the wing rays.
June 11th, 17th and 21st.—Imagines emerged (one male,
two females), being about a fortnight earlier than the normal
time of emergences in the wild state for this season.
* Kingsfield,’ Hunters Forstal, Herne Bay :
Sept. 22nd, 1903.
252 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
ASPHONDYLIA ULICIS, Tratuu.
By T. A. Caarman, M.D., F.E.S.
I wave not been able to find any original notes on this
species beyond those of Mr. Verrall. I found the species very
abundant here this August. It probably is, in many places, very
often, if looked for, as Mr. Verrall suggests. What led me to
take an interest in it was the dimorphism, if that word is cor-
rectly applicable, of the galls. Mr. Verrall notes that they
resemble the flower-buds, but are larger. Asa matter of fact,
one form of them are the flower-buds, and the gall is often easily
separated into the two divisions of the calyx; at its base are the
two floral bracts. The larva, in fact, occupies the cavity of the
calyx, and the inner parts of the flower are wanting, how dis-
appearing I do not know. But, as well as this, the gall has
another form, which is the seed-vessel, not very much altered in
appearance. They remain rather soft, are rather swollen basally
(the gall) and dwindled a little at the apex. The two valves of
which they consist are nearly as distinct as in a normal seed-
vessel; they equally terminate in the remains of the style, and
are surrounded in the same way by the dead and dry calyx and
corolla. There seems no very definite reason why the apical
portion of the seed-vessel should not contain some traces of a
seed, but, as a matter of fact, I cannot find such an example.
Those in the seed-vessels are about a week later in emerging
than those in the buds. In mid August, when I found them, the
enlarged buds were very conspicuous, there being no normal
buds on the plant, indeed, all the normal inflorescence was in
the form of seed-pods already black or blackening, but not ripe.
The galls, formed of seed-pods, were less conspicuous, because
hidden to some extent by the dried floral envelopes, but when
seen were really conspicuous, from being quite green, and so
differing from the ordinary pods.
I know too little of gall-midges to know whether this varia-
tion in the situation of the galls is common; it was new to me.
Is there some other name for these than galls? If galls be
typically those of the Cynipide, the residence of the larva in a
*‘oall”’ is actually in the plant tissues. In most gall-midges I
know, the larva is outside the plant, z.e. the inside of the gall is
naturally an external surface of the plant, and not a morbid
cavity in the tissues. This is true morphologically of the cavity
of a seed-vessel, as in Asphondylia ulicis.
Betula, Reigate: September, 1903.
258
EMERGENCE OF ASCHNA GRANDIS.
By H. T. Dosson, F.E.S.
My friend, Mr. W. J. Lucas, the author of ‘ British Dragon-
flies,’ having asked me to take charge of two nymphs of A‘schna
grandis during his absence from home, I gladly accepted his offer,
thinking that I might learn something of the habits of this species ;
a desire which, I am pleased to say, has been fully realized.
One nymph died in a few days, but the other I fed daily with
a worm for several weeks, till at last it refused food, and then
rested for several days just under the surface of the water on a
lily leaf. After this period of rest, it crawled up a thin green
stick till it had reached several inches above the water; this
was done on the morning of August 26th. The insect having
surveyed this new aspect of life seemed somewhat alarmed, and
descended into the water again, resting on the under surface of
the lily-leaf. In this position I observed it several times during
the following day; however, at 8 p.m., the nymph left the water
and ascended a green twig until it had risen about six inches
above the water.
From that moment it seemed to commence the real work for
its future life. However, before I begin a description of the
emergence, it would be as well to observe that there was no day-
light at 8 p.m. on August 27th, and that the only artificial light
I had in the room at the time was one candle, a light which was
not increased until the nymph-case was broken.
At five minutes past eight the upper part of the insect was
dry, and it was quite obvious that great internal exertions were
being made. Two minutes later I observed that the head of the
embryo dragonfly had been drawn through the neck and below
the head of the nymph. In another one and a half minutes, or,
to be exact, at eight and a half minutes past eight, the skin of
the nymph below its head had so swollen that it split, when
instantly emerged the head of the fly. In twenty seconds the
lees were partly visible, and the work of drawing them out of
their old case continued till all were free by ten past eight. ‘The
next moment the released portion of the insect fell down, the
head facing the water. A rest of twenty-five seconds followed,
after which the struggle for freedom continued, so much so that
by fourteen minutes past eight, seven segments were outside the
case. During the efforts that were made while the insect was
head downwards, I observed that the wing-cases of the nymph
had been placed across the twig that it hung upon, so as to form
a lever for the new-born fly to pull against. By fifteen minutes
past eight the only movements observable were in the legs, which
were quivering ; then the first pair were placed round its head.
For the next seven minutes it remained motionless, and thus
gave me time to take a sketch of its position. At thirty-two
254 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
minutes past eight it suddenly darted up, as if a spring had been
released, and clutched with its legs at the head of the nymph-
case. Five seconds later and the remaining portion of the body
was out of the case and hanging below it, the whole length being
two and one-eighth inches. By thirty-five minutes past eight
the tiny wings looked like pieces of snow, and began to expand ;
the growth was so rapid that in two minutes they had extended
from about half an inch to one and one-eighth inches long,
their colour being cream with a tinge of green in it. At forty
minutes past eight the body and head were trembling with
emotion, the wings had extended to one and a half inches long,
and the two lateral stripes on the thorax were appearing.
Measuring the wings at 8.42 p.m., they were one and three-
quarter inches long and opaque. During the next two minutes
my notes and sketches show the body to be very much curved,
so that the wings drop much below it. The dragonfly appeared
to be exerting every muscle in order to fully develop its wings.
At forty-eight minutes past eight the pterostigma became visible ;
they were a light green colour. ‘Two minutes later, and the
hitherto opaque wings became transparent. At 8.55 p.m. it was
perfectly still, and (with the exception of moving its legs at 8.57)
it remained absolutely quiet for twenty-five minutes, the body
hanging in a straight line below the head. The wings were then
hyaline, and the nervures were showing plainly. It continued
to rest till 10.28 p.m., when it moved its head, and in one more
minute the wings quivered and spread wide open, the costal
margins of the fore wings being at right angles with the body.
In that graceful position it remained till 11.89, when suddenly it
flew round the room. At this point the lights were extinguished,
and on the following morning 4. grandis was found clinging to
the wall with wings so well coloured that I deemed it wise to
prepare it for the cabinet. :
Ivy House, New Malden.
A LIST OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE ISLAND OF
CAPRI; WITH A FEW NOTES.
By C. Srymour Browne.
For such a small island the number of species of Lepido-
ptera will be found of great interest to the entomologist. Con-
sidering that the greatest length does not exceed 64 kilometres,
the breadth 24 kilometres, and that the total area does not amount
to more than about 15 square kilometres, and that this space
contains a population of 6000, it is remarkable that such a
quantity of lepidopterous insects are to be found in such a limited
area. This, however, is due in a great part to the mountainous
LEPIDOPTERA OF THE ISLAND OF CAPRI. 255
character of the land, which attains at Monte Solaro—the highest
point—an altitude of 608 metres above the level of the sea, and
also to the fact that, while many parts of the island are under
close cultivation, other portions are wilderness and rugged rock,
with precipitous cliffs sheer down to the sea, where the larve
remain undisturbed, so many conditions favourable to the develop-
ment of Lepidoptera are met with. The food-plant is extremely
varied, and anything approaching a severe frost is a thing
unknown.
A list must necessarily be imperfect, especially when there
are no previous data to go upon; I can find no trace of any sys-
tematic study of the Lepidoptera of the island.
The Costas, father and son, have left an enormous amount of
information regarding the Neapolitan district, of which Capri
forms a part; but their works, being mostly contributions to
journals, are difficult to find, and the result of their researches
laborious to classify.
Many Lepidoptera are rarely found, some owing to scarcity,
others to reclusive habits, and many only appear in certain
years; and it is not uncommon to come across a specimen which
can only be treated as a kind of pilgrim, such as are usually
classed amongst the doubtful species of a locality. I have only
observed one or two fully developed specimens of such common
insects as Brotolomia meticulosa, Linn., and Phalera bucephala,
Linn., though plenty of pupe have been brought to me. So
there must be many gaps in my list, and plenty of opportunity
for further research. I have used the names and numbers as
given in Staudinger and Rebel’s Catalogue, 1901 edition :—
PaPILIONIDA.
4. Papilio machaon, L. Common on the edge of the cliffs by the sea.
Preripa.
45. Pieris brassicae, L. Very common.
48. P. rape, L. This year (1903) has been a small plague, appearing
in numbers, end of July, though previous year only ordinarily common.
57. P. daplidice, L. Fairly common on the mountains, appearing
end of summer.
62a. Huchloé belia, Cram. var. romana. Calberia, common.
113. Colias edusa, Fab. Very common all through the year, except
winter.
118d. C. edusa, Fab., female ab. helice, Hib. Two specimens in
July, 1903; none noticed last year.
125. Gonepteryx cleopatra. L. A few specimens, females scarce.
NyYMPHALID&.
152. Pyrameis atalanta, L. Fairly common; observed a specimen
in March.
154. P. cardui, L. Very common, was one of the first butterflies,
appearing in thousands in May, but all worn specimens; had they
hybernated ?
256 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
167. Polygonia egea, Cram. Common.
185. Melitea didyma, Ochs. Common.
225. Argynnis lathonia, L. One specimen, 1903, in July.
341. Satyrus hermione, L. Very common in summer and autumn.
352. S. semele, L. Very common.
370a. S. statilinus, Hufn., var. allionia, Fab. Common on the
mountains in autumn.
385. Pararge egeria, L. Fairly common.
390. P. megera, L. Common.
392. P. mera, L. Scarce.
402a. Epinephele jurtina, L., var. hispulia, Hib. Common.
423. EH. ida, Esper. Male appears first, and when female appears
very few males to be found unworn.
Lyca@nipz&.
464. Thecla ilicis, Esp.
482, Zephyrus quercus, L. One specimen (female), 1902, and one
undeveloped specimen, 1903, both in late summer.
512. Chrysophanus phlaas, L. Fairly scarce.
529. Lamptdes beticus, L. Common in late summer.
604. Lycena icarus, Roth. Fairly common, early summer.
638. L. sebrus, Boisduval. Fairly common amongst the broom in
early summer.
635. L. minimus, Fues. Same as L. sebrus, but not quite so common.
638. L. cyllarus, Rott. Fairly common, early summer.
650. Cyaniris argiolus, L. Very common.
(To be continued.)
NEW CULICID rrom razr FEDERATED MALAY STATES.
By Frup. V. Turosarp, M.A.
Amonesr a large collection of beautifully mounted mosquitoes
sent to me for identification, and collected and bred by Dr.
Durham, I at once detected several new species, including a
Stethomyia. This genus, which I founded on a species taken by
Dr. Durham and others in South America (S. nimba), was repre-
sented by that species only until the one here described came
to hand,—strange to say, by the discoverer of the first species
in another continent.
The characters upon which the genus was founded are more
pronounced in the males of the Malayan species than in the
type of the genus.
The collection also contained a new Nyssorhynchus and a new
Skusea, also described here.
Amongst others in this collection are the following :—Nysso-
rhynchus albirostris, Theob. ; N. maculatus, Theob. ; Myzorhynchus
sinensis, Wied; M. vanus, Wlk.; M. barbirostris, Van der Wulp ;
NEW CULICIDZ FROM THE FEDERATED MALAY STATES. 257
Myzomyia rossii, Giles; Desvoidea ventralis, Walker ; Culex
mimeticus, Noe.; Stegomyia scutellaris, Wlk.; Teniorhynchus
conopas, Frau.; I’. brevicellulus, Theob.; Mansonia annulipes, W1k. ;
M. annulifera, Theob.; Finlaya poicilia, Theob.
Genus SrerHomyia, Theob. (Mono. Culicid. i. p. 62, 1908).
Stethomyta fragilis, n. sp.
Thorax ochraceous brown; abdomen, legs, palpi, and proboscis
deep brown; antennz white with brown plume-hairs. Legs long,
delicate.
gS. Head deep brown with small flat creamy scales between the
eyes and partly above; narrow brown upright forked scales behind ;
eyes deep purple; proboscis long and thin, deep brown, paler at the
base; antenne with testaceous basal joint, apex brown, remainder
white with narrow brown rings and brown plume-hairs; palpi pale
brown with deep brown scales, last two joints swollen with a few
black bristles; head united to thorax by rather a long neck. Thorax
bright ochraceous brown, almost nude, a few scattered long irregular
deep brown hairs; scutellum pale greyish brown, nude; the pale
brown border-bristles alternately long and short; pleurs ochraceous
brown with a greyish sheen; metanotum chestnut-brown ; prothoracic
lobes ochraceous brown with a few black bristles, very distinctly
mammillated. Abdomen very narrow, expanding apically, deep brown
to almost black, with longish curved black hairs; genitalia pale testa-
ceous; claspers long and thin. Legs long and thin, deep brown; coxe
very pale; fore legs with apparently only one claw, which is large
and biserrated, one tooth being basal; mid ungues equal, simple,
moderately large, curved ; hind small, equal and simple, nearly straight.
Wings with the veins with pale brown lanceolate scales; those on the
subcostal, first long vein and basal part of costa short and rather
broad ; first submarginal cell very long and narrow, nearly twice the
length of the second posterior cell, both cells about the same width ;
base of the first submarginal a long way nearer the base of the wing
than the base of the second posterior; stem of the first submarginal
nearly half the length of the cell; stem of the second posterior nearly
twice as long as the cell; mid cross-vein a little nearer the apex of
the wing than the supernumerary; the posterior cross-vein about half
its length nearer the base of the wing than the mid. Halteres with
pale stem and slightly fuscous knob, which is curved in the middle.
Length 4 mm.
Time of capture. January and December.
Hab. Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States.
Observations.—Described from two males bred by Dr. Durham.
Types in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.). This is the second
species of Stethomyia so far known, the other species occurring in
S. America. The characters of the gnus—namely, the mammil-
lated prothoracic lobes and the flat scales between the eyes, &¢.—
are very marked. It is a very delicate-looking mosquito, and
differs completely from the dark S. nimba, Theob. (Mono. Culicid.
lil. p. 62).
258 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Dr. Durham sends me the following note concerning this
species :—‘‘ Sunday, Jan. 18th, 1908. Larve and pupe collected
about two miles away (from Kuala Lumpur) in pool in jungle.
Clear water pool, surrounded, and more or less hidden, by shrubs
and ferns; looks as if it might have been a drinking-water
dipping well since abandoned, about four feet in diameter, and
two to three feet deep, near a stream and some dried-up swamp
where Culex mimeticus larvee had been caught. Numerous small
dark Anopheles-like larvee, which all died before transforming ;
there were also some quite minute pupx. Only two hatched out.
The long-palped species sat @ la Anopheline at an angle.”
Genus Nyssoruyncuvs, Blanchard (Mono. Culicid. iii. p. 92, 1908).
Nyssorhynchus nivipes, n. sp.
Thorax black, with snowy white spindle-shaped scales; pleure
mottled with dark and light brown; abdomen black, hairy, with pale
scales on the last two segments and genitalia. Wings with three
large and three small basal costal spots; the third black spot the
largest, with three small spots beneath; most of the veins pale scaled,
the fourth dark up to the fork. Legs deep brown; the fore and the
mid with apical pale bands, the hind with the last three tarsi white,
and also the apex of the preceding one.
S$. Head deep brown, with a tuft of snowy white upright forked
scales and a slight pale border around the eyes, two snowy white
bristles projecting forwards and some brown ones laterally; antenne
brown with flaxen and white plume-hairs; basal segments with
brown and white scales; palpi brown, clavate, two white ventral
patches on the apical swollen part, and some white scales ventrally on
the remainder, a few brown lateral hairs on the last two joints ;
proboscis thin, black. Thorax black to blackish-brown, with scattered
snowy-white spindle-shaped scales and some brown ones projecting
forwards between the thorax and nape; prothoracic lobes brown with
white scales; scutellum with spindle-shaped white scales; pleuree dark
and paler brown, slightly mottled, and with scattered white scales.
Abdomen black, with brown hairs, the last three segments with narrow
white scales, especially on the apical borders ; genitalia densely scaled
with small flat and narrow-curved white scales. Wings ornamented
much as in N. stephenst, but the fourth black spot on the first long
vein extends backwards past the small white costal spot; there are
also more dark scales on the branches of the first submarginal cell,
and three (not two) spots on the upper branch of the fifth vein. Legs
brown; the fore pair with apical pale bands to the metatarsi and first
two tarsi, and a white apical spot to the tibie; ungues unequal, the
larger biserrated ; mid legs with a pale apical band to the metatarsi
only, and a trace of a pale tibial spot; ungues equal (apparently), both
uniserrated ; hind legs with the last three joints white; also the apical
half of the first tarsal, apex of metatarsus and tibiz also white ; claws
small, equal, and simple. Length 3-5 mm.
Hab. Kuala Lumpur (Fed. Malay States).
Time of capture. January.
NEW CULICID® FROM THE FEDERATED MALAY STATES. 259
Observations.—Described from three males taken by Dr.
Durham. They come very near N. stephensi, the wing ornamen-
tation being almost the same; the thoracic scales are spindle-
shaped, not narrow-curved, and the legs are not speckled. In
stephenst the hind legs are not white at their apex as in this
species. It also comes very near N. maculatus, but differs in
(1) the mid ungues of the male not being simple, and in (2) the
greater number of white hind tarsal segments.
Genus Sxusrea, Theob. (Mono. Culicid. iii. p. 291, 1908).
Skusea diurna, ni. sp.
Head black, with a narrow pale median line, and paler at the
sides; proboscis brown; thorax richly brown scaled; pleure black,
with silvery spots; abdomen black, unbanded, with basal lateral
silvery spots. Legs dark brown, unbanded, paler at the base and
beneath the femora; femora rather swollen.
9. Head covered with flat black scales, a narrow indistinct line
of dull creamy ones and a few pale dull blue ones at the sides; a few
thick black bristles projecting over the golden eyes; clypeus black,
truncated with a slight median depression, in certain lights with grey
sheen; palpi and proboscis brown, the former very short; antenne
brown, base of second joint bright testaceous. Thorax black, covered
with rather long rich-brown narrow-curved scales, a few paler scales
in front, over the head; scutellum deep brown with narrow-curved
brown scales, and five median border-bristles; pleure brown, with
silvery white spots. Abdomen black, with small, nearly basal, lateral
white spots ; border-bristles dull brown; venter brown. Wings with
brown scales; the first submarginal cell a little longer but no narrower
than the second posterior cell, its stem about two-thirds the length of
the cell, its base nearly level with that of the second posterior cell ;
stem of the latter as long as the cell; posterior cross-vein about one
and a half times its own length distant from the mid cross-vein.
Halteres with ochraceous stem and fuscous knob. Legs deep brown,
unbanded ; femora pale ventrally ; bases of the legs slightly pallid ;
femora rather thickened, slightly hairy; tibiz with long bristles and
a row of short ones, also a few apical bristles; ungues equal and
simple. Length 4 mm.
Hab. Jugra, Kuala Lumpur.
Time of appearance. September.
Observations.—Described from a female in perfect condition
bred by Dr. Durham from a larva collected in the hospital
reservoir at Jugra. It certainly comes well in the genus Skusea,
but there are only five mid scutellar bristles. It is a day flyer.
It bears a strong resemblance to S. multiplex, but differs in
having simple ungues and unadorned thorax.
260 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
DESCRIPTIONS OF TEN NEW SPECIES AND NINE
NEW GENERA OF ICHNEUMONIDA FROM INDIA,
CHKYLON, AND JAPAN.
By P. Cameron.
(Concluded from p. 241.)
LEpPTOTHECUS RUFOMACULATUS, Sp. NOV.
Black ; the middle of the propleurz broadly, the base narrowly,
the upper half of the mesopleurx, the centre of the mesosternum, the
mesonotum, and the basal half of the scutellum broadly in the middle,
rufous; the two outer areze of the median segment, the apex of the
Spiracular area, with the spines and the apex of the pleure above,
yellow, the posterior median area and the part on either side above it
rufous. Legs pallid yellow, the fore femora below, the middle above
and at the base below, the hinder coxe, except at the apex, the femora
entirely, and the apex of the hinder tibie, black. Wings clear hyaline,
the stigma testaceous, the costa and nervures black. The second to
fourth ventral segments yellowish, the dorsal narrowly at the apices,
the last yellowish in the middle above, broadly at the apex, narrowly
at the base. The twelfth to twenty-second joints of the antenne
clear white, the scape thickly covered with white pubescence, its basal
half rufous beneath. Face, clypeus, inner orbits narrowly at the front,
more broadly above the frontal depression, narrowly on the outer
orbits above, broadly below, and the malar space, yellow. ?. Length,
17 mm.
Hab. Darjeeling.
Face sparsely punctured, the sides with a few striew, the clypeus
smooth; both are sparsely covered with glistening white hair; the
front, vertex, and occiput shagreened, and thickly covered with white
pubescence. Base of mandibles broadly yellow. Scutellum coarsely
granular, thickly covered with short white pubescence. Areola coarsely
closely transversely striated, as are also the lateral areew. Pleure
closely punctured, the apex of the pro- and the base of the meso-
striated; the meta- on the basal two-thirds closely longitudinally
striated.
PHAOGENINI.
BENECLES, gen. nov.
Metathoracic spiracles small, almost circular. Median segment
completely areolated, obliquely depressed at the base, the sides not
toothed, but with the keel at the apex in the middle prominent; the
areola wider than long, slightly narrowed towards the apex. Scutellum
roundly convex, not much raised above the level of the mesonotum,
its sides keeled at the base. Apex of clypeus broadly transverse, its
sides above with an oblique furrow. Mandibles unequally toothed,
the apical long, sharply pointed, the subapical short, indistinct.
Temples small, obliquely narrowed. Post-scutellum stout; the gas-
troceli shallow, distinct; the lunule large. Areolet 5-angled, nar-
rowed above ; the disco-cubital nervure without the stump of a nervure.
Antenne longer than the body, the scape distinctly shorter than the
A NEW COCCID FROM MADEIRA. 261
first joint of the flagellum, which is much longer than the following
joint. Hinder legs much longer than the anterior. The ovipositor
largely projects. The transverse basal nervure is interstitial. In the
hind wings the transverse median nervure is broken far below the
middle. The apex of the metathorax is not produced beyond the in-
sertion of the hind coxe. Apex of abdomen marked with white.
The small round metathoracic spiracles refer this genus to
the Pheogenini. In Ashmead’s ‘ Classification of the Ichneumon
Flies’ it would come in near Herpestomus. Characteristic is the
long sharp pointed apical and the indistinct subapical tooth of
the mandibles.
BENECLES RUFOMACULATUS, Sp. Nov.
Black ; the mesopleura, the mesosternum, the median segment,
the petiole, the four anterior legs, the posterior coxs, trochanters, and
femora, except at the apex, red; the flagellum broadly in the middle
and the apex of the abdomen white; the wings hyaline, the nervures
and stigma black. 92. Length, 9 mm.
Hab. Ceylon, Trincomali (Col. Yerbury).
Front, vertex, face, and clypeus closely, regularly, and distinctly
punctured ; the apex of the clypeus smooth and shining. Mandibles
and palpi black; the apex of the former smooth and shining. The
metanotum is less closely and more strongly punctured than the meso-
notum ; its basal depression is smooth; the areola is obscurely sha-
greened, and has a longitudinal keel in the centre on the apical half.
The apex of the pronotum has a striated margin; the base of the
mesopleure closely longitudinally striated. The centre of the post-
petiole is smooth; the sides are depressed and obscurely punctured ;
the base of the second segment is irregularly striated; the shallow
gastroceli are rufous. The antenne are as long as the body; the
hinder tibie have a broad dull reddish band near the base; the hinder
tarsi are black, the base and the calcaria testaceous.
A NEW COCCID FROM MADEIRA, ALLIED TO
COCCUS TUBERCULATUS, Bovucus.
By T. D. A. CockERretut.
In the ‘ Entomologist,’ March, 1901, p. 93, I called attention
to the peculiar characters assigned to Coccus tuberculatus, Bouche,
remarking that I had seen nothing like if. The insect now
described is of peculiar interest, because it has the dorsal
projections of C. tuberculatus, and is evidently closely allied.
It settles beyond doubt the position of Bouché’s species in
Pulvinaria.
PULVINARIA GRABHAMI, N. sp.
?. Oval, flattened, reddish-brown, often blackened dorsally ;
1; mm. long, 14 broad; ovisac white, convex, broad, loose, not
262 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
adhering to objects touching it, not parallel-sided nor ridged. Margin
with long simple bristles; stigmatal spines ordinary, short; antenne
7-jointed ; legs ordinary, claw digitules 30 » or more long, with large
knobs; tarsal digitules rather stout, fully 54 » long. Measurements
of legs and antenne in »:—Anterior leg; femur + trochanter 156,
tibia 108, tarsus 70. Antennal segments: (1) 80, (2) 33, (8) 48,
(4) 80, (5) 80, (6) 24, (7) 48. Immature specimens, up to maturity,
have a dorsal row of five to nine erect white waxy keel-like projections ;
a some immature examples these projections seem to have a circular
ase. :
Hab. Public garden at Funchal, Madeira, on the under side
of leaves of Jossinia tinifolia, together with Aspidiotus rapax.
Dr. M. Grabham, who collected the specimens, informs me that
they are attended by the ant Iridomyrmex humilis.
P. grabhami differs from Pulvinaria tubereulata (Bouché) by
its smaller size, and the fewer dorsal processes ; the antenne also
differ from Bouché’s account, which, however, is almost certainly
incorrect as to the number of joints. The antenne of P. grab-
hami resemble those of P. populi (which is a much larger insect)
except in the last joint.
Dr. Grabham also brought me some leaves of Apollonias
canariense from the Funchal public garden. These show many
large blister-like protuberances on the upper surface, corre-
sponding to deep cavities beneath. These galls, which are
evidently the product of a mite (Hriophyes), contain two species
of Coccids, Aspidiotus rapax and Fiorinia fiorinie.
Pecos, New Mexico, U.S.A.: June 5th, 1903.
CURRENT NOTES.—No. 2.
By G. W. Kirxatpy.
1. D. Smarr: ‘Coleoptera Caraboidea,”’ Fauna Hawaiiensis,
ili. pp. 175-292, pls. vi. and vii., April 9th, 1908.
2. W..L. Fiske: “‘ A Study of the Parasites of the American
Tent-Caterpillar,”’ New Hampshire Coll. Agric. Exper.
Sta. Techn., Bull. no. 6, pp. 180-230, 6 text figs. 1903
[Lep. and Hymen.].
3. O. W. Barrerr: “The Changa, or Mole Cricket (Scapta-
riscus didactylus, Latr.) in Porto Rico,” Bull. 2, Porto
Rico Agric. Exper. Sta. pp. 1-19, text figs. 1902 (also in
Spanish] [Orthopt. |.
4, H. Scuoutepen: ‘‘ Les Aphidocécidies paléarctiques. De-
scriptions d’Aphides Cécidogénes nouveaux,’ Ann. Soc.
Entom. Belg. xlvii. pp. 167-95, 1903 [Rhynchota].
5. A. L. Monranpon: ‘‘ Hémiptéres aquatiques. Notes syno-
nymiques et géographiques. Descriptions d’especés nou-
velles,” Bull. Soc. Sci. Buearest. xii. pp. 97-121, 1903.
CURRENT NOTES. 2638
6. H. J. Hansen: ‘‘The Genera and Species of the Order
Symphyla,” Quart. Journ. Mier. Sci. (n.s.), xlvil. pp. 1-99,
pls. 1-7 (1908 ?).
. EK. P. Fett: “The Literature of Economic Entomology,”
Bull. U.S. Dep. Agric., Entom. (n. s.), 40 [Proc. 15th
Ann. Meet. Assoc. Economic Ent.], pp. 7-22, 1903.
8. EH. P. Feur: ‘‘ Importance of Injurious Insects introduced
from Abroad,” Proc. 24th Ann. Meet. Soe. Promotion
Agric. Sci. pp. 1-10, 19038. 3
9. HK. P. Fer: “ 18th Rep. State Entom.” (for 1902), pp. 89-
179, 2 text figs., 6 plates (1 col.), May, 1908 [University
Bull. 283; State Mus. Bull. 64; Entom. Bull. 17].
10. W. L. Distant: ‘‘ Rhynchotal Notes,’ Ann. Mag. Nat.
Hist. ser. 7 ; iv. pp. 29-52 ; 218-27 ; 421-45; v. pp. 386-
97 ; 420-35 ; vi. pp. 55-64 ; 220-34 ; 365-80; vil. pp. 6-
22; 416-32; 531-41; vill. pp. 461-86; 497-510; ix.
pp. 84-45 ; 853-62 ; x. pp. 1738-94 ; 245-58 ; 282-95 ; 352-
67 (1899-903).
10a. J. J. Kinrrer: “ Monographie des Cynipides d’Kurope et
d’ Algérie, vol. u. fase. 1” [being the first fase. of the 2nd
part of the 7th vol. of André’s ‘‘ Species des Hymeno-
pteres d’Kurope et d’Algérie’’] , pp. 1-288, pls. i.—ix. (1908).
The most important of recent entomological productions is
undoubtedly Dr. Sharp’s Monograph of the Hawaiian Caraboidea
(1), a work which is the result of an unrivalled knowledge both
of Coleoptera in general and of the Hawaiian forms, some 6500
specimens of the latter having been examined. It is no bald
systematic monograph, but a practical application of philosophic
principles to the elucidation of the phylogeny of the remarkable
Hawaiian Caraboidea. Under the latter term, Sharp comprises
what are perhaps better known as Adephaga. Of the 212 (or so)
Hawaiian species, two are Dytiscide,* 210 Carabidex, of the sub-
fam. Harpaline. Of these 212 (of which 149 are described for
the first time) 211 are precinctive, the single exception (Plochi-
onus pallens) being so widely distributed, according to Bates, that
its original home cannot be determined. It frequents the bag-
gage of passengers, and is thus easily disseminated. It is still,
however, very rare in the Hawaiian fauna. The four species of
Tachys, although unknown elsewhere, are possibly not pre-
cinctive.
Dr. Sharp finds that the Hawaiian Carabide are in their
main divisions ‘‘ concordant with those of other parts of the
world, but that they exhibit in an exaggerated form certain
features that elsewhere are comparatively rare. The chief of
these are (1) flightlessness, (2) a diminished chetotaxy.”’ Upon
these peu characters are relied almost exclusively, and under
+]
* It is probable that these will be increased on later researches, as little
appears to have been done in capturing aquatic forms in Hawaii-nei,
264 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
this system ‘‘ an individual, by a simple process of discontinuous
variation—such as there is reason for believing actually occurs—
may ipso facto pass from the genus of its parents to another. It
follows that the contemporary members of one generation may
possibly belong to two different genera, though having the same
specific parentage. . . . These dislocations of taxonomy—if they
occur at all—occur but rarely.”’
“The precinctive Hawaiian Carabidous fauna may. . . be
considered to consist of 209 species, belonging entirely to three
eroups”’ (Anchomenides, Pterostichides, and Bembidiides). ‘‘The
Carabidous fauna of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland consists of about 315 species, belonging to 25 groups.
The remarkable taxonomic concentration of the Hawaiian fauna
is not, however, adequately expressed by this brief statement,
because the Pterostichides form generally one of the largest and
most varied of all the groups of Carabide in all parts of the
world ; but in the Hawaiian fauna it includes 78 species, all of
which would be placed in a single genus, Cyclothorax, were it
not that I have separated them therefrom, and divided them into
four genera on certain of the degradational characters that form
so marked a feature of the Hawaiian Carabide.”’
The flightlessness of these forms is discussed at length, and
the author notes the common mistake that flightless or wingless
beetles are apterous, nearly the whole of the so-called apterous
species really possessing four wings. Dr. Sharp, moreover, holds
that organs which are functionally useful ‘‘may become again
increased after having undergone reduction.”
With regard to the prothoracic set, although irregularities
occur, Dr. Sharp considers that it is ‘‘safe to rely on the seta for
discriminative purposes.”
Of the precinctive species, nearly the whole of the species are
confined to a single island ; when this is not the case, the locali-
ties are nearly always on adjacent islands.
The paper, of which it has been possible to give only a most
inadequate sketch, is concluded by a series of bionomic notes,
gathered from correspondence between Dr. Sharp and Mr. Per-
kins. There are also two elucidatory plates.
(To be continued.)
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
Tue Nationa Coxtuection or British Lerrpoprera.— Recent ad-
ditions to this Collection are—ten male specimens of Miana arcuosa
from the Rey. H. H. Slater, Thornhaugh Rectory, Wansford ; and an
example of Plusia bractea from W. McIntosh, Esq., Nevay Park,
Meigle, N.B.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 265
Insects oF NortHampron.—In the Northamptonshire volume of the
‘ Victoria History of the Counties of England’ the lists of insects are
hardly so full or complete as those that have appeared in some other
volumes of the series. It would seem that little, if anything, is known
of the Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera; at all events
these orders are not included, and the editor states that he has been
quite unable to obtain lists of such insects. Very few species of
Hymenoptera are recorded, and the list of Coleoptera would seem to
be most incomplete. The Lepidoptera come out more satisfactorily,
but the groups usually referred to as ‘‘ Micros’”’ appear to have been
sadly neglected. It is certainly surprising that such interesting
families as the Pyralides and the Tortrices, for instance, should be so
little in favour with collectors.
Burrerriiges or Drerspysuire.—The Rey. Francis C. R. Jourdain
has published (Derbyshire Archxological and Natural History Society’s
Journal, 1903) an annotated list of the butterflies that have been
observed in Derbyshire. Forty species are admitted, but the author
states that most of these ‘‘can only be regarded as rare or accidental
visitors, and only about fifteen species can be considered really
common anywhere.” Papilio machaon, Cenonympha typhon, and Thecla
pruni, are also referred to, in brackets, as the evidence of their occur-
rence in the county is not satisfactory, while Syrichthus malv@ is men-
tioned as having been erroneously recorded in a previous list (Entom.
xxvii. 51). The English as well as the Latin names of the species
are given.
‘PracticaL Hints ror tae Firitp Leprpoprerist. —Of this ex-
ceedingly useful work, which has been produced by Mr. J. W. Tutt,
we have received Parts 1 and 2. The contents provide a considerable
amount of information concerning the possible lepidopterous work to
be done during each month of the year. The collector of experience
as well as the beginner will find the books packed with helpful items.
An index to the species mentioned in the work would probably have
been of general utility, and certainly a convenience to the reader.
AcuLeate Hymenoprera or Starrorpsarre.—This list, compiled by
the Rev. F. C. Jourdain, enumerates one hundred and thirteen species
as occurring in Staffordshire (Transactions of the North Staffordshire
Field Club, 1903, pp. 81-87).
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
ABERRATION oF Leprpoptrra.—With regard to Mr. Bellamy’s report
(ante, p. 243), I have also obtained the yellow variety of Arctia caia. I
think, from my experience, and from information from friends, that
this year will be found to have been very productive of varieties. I
bred, from larvee obtained in my garden here, a complete melanism of
Abraxas grossulariata ; the thorax is only slightly tinged with yellow.
While at Eaglescliffe, in Durham, I got a series of 7'riphana pronuba,
ENTOM.—-OCTOBER, 1908. Y
266 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
with some beautiful variations of the fore wings. It seems to me that
this abnormal amount of variation this year must be put down to the
weather we have experienced, and I think it would be most interesting
to have reports from the observations of other collectors on the
subject.—Winuram Beatriz; Glen Lodge, Mickleham, Surrey, Sept. 5th.
Burrerruies iy Hype Parx.—Walking down a sunny path in
Hyde Park, on the Bayswater Road side, at mid-day on this hot day
(Sept. 25th, 1903), my attention was attracted by a brilliant specimen
of Vanessa atalanta on a clump of Sedum spectabile about two yards
long. On stopping to watch it, I noticed hovering over the same bed,
which was in full flower, two specimens of Plusia gamma, and in-
numerable flies and bees. What, however, surprised me most was to
discover four specimens of V. cardui, lazily sucking the honey of the
flowers, and sunning themselves with outstretched wings. On a sun-
flower was another specimen, and on a neighbouring bed of Sedum
were two more. Of the seven specimens one had one wing chipped,
all the other examples were in good condition, though not quite fresh.—
Joun C. Warsure; 21, Pembridge Gardens, W., Sept. 25th, 1908.
Levoanta unteunota, L. Loreyi, &c., 1s Sours Drevon.—During a
short holiday of twelve days in South Devon in the early part of
September, I had the good fortune to capture one each of the above-
mentioned rare British species, which, I think, is worthy of placing on
record. L. loreyi was taken on Sept. 6th, flying wildly over rough
herbage at dusk, and L. wnipuncta came to sugared flower-heads on the
night of Sept. 8th. I also took at sugar one L. vitellina on Sept. 9th,
and one Heliothis peltigera on Sept. 14th. All were taken on the coast,
and with these exceptions no other good things turned up, though, in
spite of cold rough winds, some of the common species—such as Agrotis
suffusa, A. segetum, Noctua c-nigrum, and Phlogophora meticulosa—
appeared in abundance, the latter being simply a pest at sugar.—
Witiiam H. Epwarps (Curator); ‘‘ Hastings’? Museum, Worcester
Victoria Institute, Sept. 24th, 1908.
Acrotis acarHina, A. PR&cOXx, AND A. VESTIGIALIS IN WORCESTER-
sH1RE.—On September 19th, my friend Mr. G. D Hancock and myself,
when searching heather for larve of Anarta myrtilli, were fortunate
enough to capture examples of the above species on a sandy, heather-
covered common in Worcestershire. Agrotis agathina was somewhat
worn, but still good enough for identification. Only one specimen of
A. precox was taken on this occasion, but another one was captured
in July, 1901, at the same spot, by Mr. J. Peed. The appearance of
such coast insects as A. vestigialis and A. precow so far inland as
Worcestershire, as well as A. agathina, which is new to our county
list, seems worthy of recording.—Witu1am H. Epwarps.
Mature Larva or ABRAXAS GROSSULARIATA IN SEPTEMBER.—I took
a larva of this species about a fortnight ago, in the garden; it was
then about half grown, and has just (Sept. 21st) spun np for pupation.
There are many other larve of .4. grossulariata in the garden, but the
majority of them are quite small.—H. G. J. Sparxe.
PyRAMEIS CARDUI AND Prusia GAMMA In SuFroLtK.—I thought you
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 267
would like to know that P. cardwi is extremely abundant to the north-
west of Ipswich, Suffolk, and probably all over the county. One clover
field I passed through yesterday was alive with them, and hosts of
Plusia gamma. Both species were worn.—LEp. G. J. Sparks; Sept. 25.
PyraMEIs carpur IN Tootinc.—A fine specimen of P. cardui was
flying about the garden here all yesterday. I have not seen the
species here for some years, although larvee used to breed regularly on
the thistles in an adjoining field.—H. G. J. Sparxe; 1, Christchurch
Villas, Tooting Bec Road, Tooting, 8.W., Sept. 21st, 1903.
HELIOTHIS ARMIGERA AND Pxiusta monEeTA at Lewres.—A specimen
of H. armigera occurred here on a street lamp on August 26th last.
It was taken by Mr. Jarvis of this town, who has also during this
season recorded the first example of Plusia moneta captured in Lewes.—
Hueu J. Vinatt; Lewes.
VaGaRIES oF THE SEason.—While beating nearly full-fed larve of
Abraxas sylvata near Lewes on September 19th last with a friend, we
were surprised to see a beautiful specimen of the perfect insect sitting
on a leaf. We had taken this species in plenty during the first
fortnight of July, and tattered specimens as late as July 25th, but
had not seen the insect since. I have never heard of this species
being double-brooded, but the fine condition of the insect taken pointed
to its very recent emergence. ‘The season has been marked by other
vagaries. Noctua plecta and Plusia gamma were taken at sugar on
April 6th, both very fresh, and apparently not hybernated specimens.
This is also borne out by the fact that a larva of Phlogophora meticulosa,
brought to me about January 10th, pupated, and, though kept in a
cold room, emerged on March 14th. On the other hand, during the
latter part of the season, some species have been very late, and a friend
reports Thyatira batis at sugar in Kent as late as September 9th.—
Hues J. Vinatt; Lewes.
[The season has undoubtedly been an erratic one, and many ex-
amples of its effect upon insect life must have come under the
observation of our readers. It is to be hoped that other instances of
abnormal dates will be recorded. We may mention that Phlogophora
meticulosa has been previously noted as occurring in the moth state as
early as February and as late as December. Full-grown larve of the
species have also been found in January (Hntom. xxxiy. 131).—Ep.|
ABUNDANCE oF Pyramets carpu1.—The strong south-easterly winds
which have been blowing continuously on this coast for the past four
days have brought an immense number of this species across the
North Sea. Two days ago not one was to be seen, but to-day, notwith-
standing that there has been scarcely any sun, they were in hundreds
everywhere. It is strange that they should be so plentiful, after the
detestable weather that has done duty for the past summer both here,
and, I believe, on the northern parts of the Continent also. These
are not freshly hatched butterflies, as many of them are worn and
torn ; nor are they likely to be immigrants, for immigration, I think,
as arule, only occurs after a long continuance of hot weather, and
when it is calm; they are simply wanderers blown across the sea,
whether they wished it or not. Plusia gamma, of which only a few
268 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
were to be seen a day or two ago, was also swarming to-day, probably
another case of enforced immigration.—Grrvase F, Mataew; Dover-
court, Hssex, Sept. 22nd, 19038.
I noticed a few hybernated. specimens of this butterfly here in the
early summer months, but owing to the miserable weather in July I did
not examine thistles for the larve. No doubt there have been imagos
about for the last week or two, but the first I noticed was on a
Michaelmas daisy in my garden, yesterday. Imagine my surprise,
then, when I saw at least fifty specimens of this beautiful insect dis-
porting themselves on the flowers of Sedum spectabile, in the garden at
Woodham, Mortimer Place, this morning. The Sedum is planted in a
row some thirty yards long, to form the border of a flower-bed. Here
and there among the carduwi flashed out the vivid scarlet of V. atalanta,
and there were simply hundreds of humble-bees and hive-bees, not to
mention that common autumn imitator of the latter, Hvristalis tenax.
Truly a wonderful and magnificent sight, and long to be remembered.
— (Rev.) Gitsert H. Raynor; Hazeleigh Rectory, Maldon, Hssex,
Sept. 21st.
Srrex aicas in IreLanp.—A few days since, my son, Colonel
Battersby, was cutting branches off a fallen pine-tree, when he per-
ceived an unknown insect flying about, and secured it by knocking it
down with his cap; it proved to be a female S. yigas—a beautiful
specimen, with an enormously long ovipositor, and brilliant markings
of velvety black and yellow.— Frances T. Barrerssy; Cromlyn,
Rathowen, West Meath, August. 21st, 1903.
Puusia curysitis.—I note Mr. Shaw’s and Rey. Claxton’s reply to
my notes on this species (ante, p. 219). Although the species may be
plentiful at Finchley and Romford, I am still of the opinion that such
is not the case for this district. I have also lived near Farnborough
(Kent), and at Ladywell, near Lee and Lewisham, and my experience
has been the same in all these places. Strange to say, I captured a
very fine specimen of this species at electric light here, shortly after
the publication of my note—the first example that I have taken for
four years; I also took another at bramble-bloom, in the New Forest,
last month, on the 20th.—A. J. Lawrance; Anerley.
SPILODES PALEALIS IN Surrey. — On Aug. 14th last I had the
pleasure of taking an example of S. palealis at Esher. Is not the
appearance of this species in Surrey rather remarkable? I have
always understood that it was confined to the coast of Kent.—Hrnest
Warne; 45, St. John’s Hill, Clapham Junction, Sept. 14th, 1908.
APAMEA OPHIOGRAMMA.—On the third of this month my husband,
while pulling up some weeds in the garden, disturbed a moth, which he
brought to me, as it appeared to him to be uncommon. It proved to be
A. ophiogramma, but in such poor condition that I let it go again. In
the evening of the same day I took a fine specimen at dusk, and
another on the evening of the 5th. We have noticed for some time
that the patches of striped ribbon-grass (Phalaris variegata) have been
dying off, and the probability is that the larva of this moth has
attacked the roots and stems.—C. Hotmes; Ruthven, Sevenoaks, Aug.
25th, 1903.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 269
[The larva of A. ophiogramma feeds on the ribbon-grass, and may
be found, nearly or quite full grown, in the stem towards the root-
stock. From the middle to the end of April is a good time to examine
the plants ; a withered or drooping blade usually indicates the presence
of a larva.—Ep.]
SPHINX CONVOLVULI IN GLoUCESTERSHIRE.—A very fine and perfect
specimen of this grand “ hawk’’ was taken on September 11th at rest
upon a stone wall in the parish of Whalley, near Blackburn, in the
north-east of Lancashire, by Master Eric Jacques. The insect was
brought to me by its boy captor for identification, very fortunately, as
he had no appliances for setting.—Canon Nasu; Standish Vicarage,
Stonehouse, Glos.
SPHINX CONVOLVULI AT ScarBorouGH.—To-day one of the workmen
employed by Mr. Collier, florist of this town, brought me a fine Sphinx
convolvulé in perfect condition, which he told me he had just found on
the under side of a coping-stone.—F. D. Brann; 385, Avenue Victoria,
Scarborough, Sept. 9th, 19038.
SpHinx convotvuni at Lowestorr.—This evening I was attracted
by a number of people in London Road gazing apparently at an electric
light; on going up to see what was the matter, 1 saw a huge moth
flying slowly round the light. I at once recognized it as Sphina con-
volvuli. The puzzle was how to catch it without damage. There was
none of the usual dash about its flight, but I had nothing with me,
not even a box. Fortunately it partially solved the difficulty, for it
flew down on to the pavement, and I immediately put my cap gently
over it, and then carefully uncovering, I seized it with the finger and
thumb. I carried it two or three hundred yards to a friend’s house
with scarcely any damage to the insect. There I transferred it to a
large inverted tumbler, and thence to a suitable box. Showing how
tenacious of life these creatures are, I may say that after being in the
box for three or four hours, in which was a piece of cotton-wool
saturated with prussic acid, it was still alive; it then spent the night
in an old cyanide bottle, by no means inert, and was alive in the
morning, when I finished it with fresh cyanide. It measured full five
inches in expanse.—J. H. Campsezti-Taytor ; Lowestoft, Sept. 12th,
1903.
LepipopTEerA 1n AuGcust at Brockrenuurst.—I spent the first two
weeks in August at Brockenhurst. The weather for the first two
days was fine, but later it was rather dull, rain being frequent. On
the whole, however, I think I had an enjoyable and profitable holiday.
On arriving at Brockenhurst, I found out Mr. Morris, and arranged
with him to show me round during my stay. Most of the time was
occupied with larve-beating and searching. Amongst other larve
were Vanessa atalanta, V. io, Apatura iris (one small one was beaten
from sallow), Macroglossa fuciformis, Huchelia jacobae (extremely abun-
dant, almost every plant of ragwort had several larve feeding on it),
Halias prasinana, Lithosia sororcula (aureola), Dasychira pudibunda,
Pstlura monacha, Stauropus fagi, Lophopterya camelina, Orgyia antiqua,
Notodonta dromedarius, N. trimacula (dodonea), Phalera bucephala, Moma
orion, Demas coryli, Acronycta alni, Amphidasys betularia, A. prodromaria,
270 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Tephrosia consonaria, Boarmia consortaria, and other miscellaneous
larve. Amongst butterflies were the following :—Pieris brassica, P.
napi, P. rape, Gonepteryax rhamni (abundant and very fine), Argynnis
paphia (abundant, but in poor condition); several var. valesina were
seen. Vanessa urtice, V. polychloros, only one specimen was seen.
V. io was just coming on the wing. Limenitis sibylia, abundant, but
very worn. Pararge egeria and P. megera were plentiful, and very
fine. Satyrus semele, abundant on the heaths. Epinephele ianira, EH.
tithonus, and Aphantopus hyperanthus were common. Cwnonympha
pamphilus, Chrysophanus phleas. Lycena egon, abundant and fine.
Hesperia thaumus and H. sylvanus were common. Sugaring proved a
failure, only a few species being taken. Thatira derasa, T. batis, Cato-
cala sponsa (one in perfect condition), Gonoptera libatrix, and a few
others. Several Sarothripus wndulanus were taken, being beaten from
oaks during the day. Melanthia albicillata, Eubolia palumbaria, Seli-
dosema ericetaria (plumaria), Lophopteryx camelina (two were attracted
to our lantern whilst sugaring), and several Porthesia similis (auriflua);
this moth was very common.—Joun Wricut; Woolwich.
SOCIETIES.
Souta Lonpon Entomotogican anp Naturat History Socmry.—
June 25th, 1903.—Mr. E. Step, F.L.8., President, in the chair.—Mr.
Councillor Newberry, of Hast Greenwich, was elected a member.—Mr.
Turner exhibited living imagines of Coleophora nigricella from Benfleet,
and of CU. fuscedinella from Dumbartonshire.—Mr. Jiiger (1) examples
of Papilio polydamas from South Texas ; (2) a larva of Chelonia planta-
ginis Which had been attacked by a worm, probably Gordius aquaticus ;
and (3) a large Tarantula sp.? from India.—Mr. Enock, a very large
species of ichneumon which he had just bred from a larva of Humorpha
elpenor found at Woking.—Mr. West (Greenwich), a series of a very
local species of Rhyncophora, Polydrusus chrysomela, taken on Cheno-
podium near Gravesend.—Mr. R. Adkin gave a report of the Annual
Congress of the §8.H. Union of Scientific Societies which had just been
held at Dover.
July 9th.— The President in the chair.— Mr. West (Greenwich)
exhibited several species of Hemiptera taken by Mr. Ashby at Deal,
including Podops inuncta, Siocoris cursitans, Pseudophleas fallen,
Rhyparochromus pratextatus, R. chiragra, and Aphanus lynceus. He
also showed, from Horsley, Hysarcoris melanocephalus and Gnathoconus
albomarginatus, and the following Coleoptera, Apion malve from near
Gravesend, Haemonia curtisi, Cercyon littoralis, and C. depressus from
the shore at Yarmouth.—Mr. Sich, a living example of Geometra
vernaria, which he had just captured at Chiswick.—Mr. Turner, cases
with living larvee of Coleophora calibipennella, which Mr. Chapman had
just sent to him from Spain, and living imagines of C. limosipennella
from Lewisham, and of C. cespititiella from Loughton, both bred from
larve.—Mr. Lucas reported that a number of examples of the dragonfly
Aischna isosceles had recently been taken in the eastern counties.
SOCIETIES. 271
July 23rd.—The President in the chair.—Mr. McArthur exhibited
(1) three examples of female Argynnis aglaia of a very unusual size,
the largest measuring 74 mm. in expanse; (2) a male with enlarged
black markings; (8) Hpinephele tianira with considerable xanthic
markings. They were all from Brighton.—Mr. Tongé, (1) Heliaca
tenebrata (arbuti) from Nutfield Marsh; (2) the sawfly Pamphilius
flaviventris bred from a larva found in Tilgate Forest feeding on black-
thorn in Aug. 1902.—Mr. Sich, ova of Geometra vernaria laid by a
female captured at Chiswick.—Mr. Clark, a specimen of Capsus laniarius
just taken in his garden. It was noted as frequently appearing among
cultivated flowers.—Mr. Ashby, series of Limobius miatus and Liaius
bicolor from Deal in June, and a specimen of Polystichus vittatus from
Walmer ; all local species.
August 13th.—The President in the chair.—Mr. Goulton, (1) a
short series of Hypsipetes sordidata (elutata) from Ranmore Common,
including a bright green very black-barred form, and a wholly dusky
form; (2) a short series bred from ova of the above, and stated that
all the bred specimens were lighter than the captured ones; (3) a
yellow form with yellow eyes, from the Isle of Wight.—Mr. F. M. B.
Carr, a large number of species of Coleoptera taken at Salisbury and
in South Devon.—Mr. Ashby, series of the local species Harpalus
caspius and H. sabulicola from Portland in June.—Mr. McArthur,
Cossus cossus (ligniperda), one of a number seen around the electric
light in King’s St., Hammersmith.—Mr. R. Adkin, a bred series of
Eupithecia exiguata from Brighton; one-half of the larve were fed on
sallow, and the other on ash.—Mr. West, of Greenwich, the three
British representatives of the genus dcalles, taken at Darenth Wood
by beating dead oak twigs in July.—Dr. Chapman, (1) nearly full-fed
larvee of Nisoniades tages from ova laid on Lotus corniculatus; (2) a
larva of Orgyia splendida from Spain, and pointed out its differences
from O. antiqua ; (8) a living example of Parnassius apollo from Spain
exactly like the usual Swiss form, and characteristic of the district of
Spain he had just visited.—Mr. H. J. Turner, (1) larve of Phibala-
pteryx tersata from ova laid by a female captured at Wendover on
July 11th; (2) larvee of Spilosoma fuliginosa from ova, and remarked
on the irregular way in which they were feeding —Hy. J. Turner,
Hon. Rep. Sec.
Brrmincuam EwnromonocicaL Society. — June 15th, 1903.— Mr.
R. C. Bradley, Vice-President, in the chair.—Mr. W. H. Wilkinson
showed a box of Folkestone Lepidoptera, also a small collection made
on the Riviera.—Mr. R. C. Bradley, a few bees taken at Ventnor, Isle
of Wight, early this year—Halictus quadricinctus, F., Andrena nigroenea,
Kirb. ? (a stylopized male), A. fulvicrus, Kirb. (a nice series), A. atri-
ceps, Kirb., A. pilipes, F. (one).—-Mr. J. T. Fountain showed Leptidia
sinapis, L., from the Wye Valley; one was a remarkable variety ;
apparently every scale which should have been black was changed to
a dull orange colour, the wing markings at the tip, &c., all being of
this colour. He also showed Bomolocha fontis, Thnb. (crassalis, Tr.),
from the Wye Valley, and Boarmia luridata, Bork., and Bapta temerata
(S. V.), Hb., from Trench Woods.—Coxsran J. Wainwricut, Hon. Sec.
272 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
OBITUARY: J. H. FOWLER.
Ir is with very sincere and deep regret that I record the death of my
friend’ Joun Henry Fowter, on August 11th last, at the comparatively
early age of forty-seven years. For some months previously he had
been in indifferent health, and although generally uncomplaining, yet
his appearance indicated something wrong. A rest and change were
recommended by his medical advisers, but having spent a month or
more in his native Devonshire, he returned rather worse than better.
For a short time after returning he attended business as cashier at the
National Provincial Bank in this town, where, for the past fourteen or
fifteen years, his quiet, obliging and unassuming—but business-like—
demeanour made him a general favourite. Sheer exhaustion at last
compelled him to give up, and a specialist having been summoned
from a distance, pronounced his case hopeless. A complication of dis-
orders, not the least of which was the terrible Bright’s disease, caused
him fearful agonies for weeks previous to his decease, but the end was
peaceful.
Fond of Nature in all her varied phases, it was as an enthusiastic
entomologist he was best known, and his keen powers of observation ©
and perception were exercised wisely and well; whilst, as a worker in
the field, few collectors were more expert and assiduous; in fact, he
seemed possessed of indomitable energy—in some instances, I fear, far
beyond his failing strength, a characteristic often remarked by those
who had the pleasure of collecting with him. During his residence at
Ringwood he became well acquainted with the grand old forest and its
many treasures, and being no arm-chair naturalist, his knowledge of
the habits and life-histories of many Lepidoptera was extensive, as the
pages of this journal bear testimony.
Perhaps he excelled more particularly in the detection of varieties
(Entom. 1893, p. 29; and Hntom. 1894, p. 181); and it may be
remembered that, a few years ago, a variety of L. corydon was named
after him. In the same year British Hmydia cribrum were deemed
worthy of a distinctive name, after an examination of his long and
almost unique series of that local species; and I believe that this was
not the only Lithosid to which he paid particular attention, and secured
many specimens of marked variation. He, too, had the good fortune
to capture the remarkable variety of Argynnis aglaia, which, if not
‘‘ charlotta,” is a most interesting form, and is figured in the ‘ Ento-
mologist’ for 1894, p. 182. In the conversations we frequently had,
recollections of my old collecting experiences often returned most
vividly, especially when he talked of rearing the yellow form of Calli-
morpha dominula, or the difficulties met with in bringing through such
species as Cymatophora ridens, Teniocampa miniosa, Agrotis agathina,
and others.
He was interred in the Ringwood cemetery on August 15th, and
leaves a widow and three daughters to mourn his loss.
G. B. Corgin.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vou. XXXVI.) NOVEMBER. 1908. [No. 486.
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW LONGICORN BEETLE FROM
BRITISH EAST AFRICA.
By E. A. Hearn, M.D., F.L.8.
ZOGRAPHUS BALTEATUS.
Shining black. Pronotum thickly transversely striate, with a
narrow elongate transverse cream-coloured spot on each side of base.
The head is rugose, except in front, where it is smooth opaque. The
antenne in the male are about half as long again as the body. The
basal joint is stoutest, slightly longer than the head, and coarsely
granulated, the second joint being smoother, and twice as long as the
first ; the remaining joints shorter than the second, and almost sub-
equal in length. The elytra are thickly and coarsely punctured, and
obscurely pilose. The humeral angles are rounded and crenulate,
with an obtuse tooth at its apex. A discal wavedtongitudinal carinate
line, commencing near the posterior angle ofthe pronotumand termi-
nating before apex somewhat near the ely ral suture. Four ‘rounded
ENTOM.—NOVEMBER, 1903. TON 12 19034
RO” of
§ nh
ZITHSONIAN EAA
iz
/
if TI j
274 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
cream-coloured spots with reddish centre, two on each elytron; one a
little before centre, near suture; the other near base, on the lateral
margin. The body beneath, and the legs, somewhat longly pilose,
with a transverse oval cream-coloured spot, and a smaller spot near its '
base, at the junction of the pro- and mesosternum; and two some-
what similar spots at the posterior margin of the mesosternum. The
legs have a patch of light-coloured hairs on the upper and anterior
edge of the femora, near base. The tibiz are fringed with lightish
hair on their posterior margins. Long. from head to apex of elytra
12 lines. Max. lat. 5 lines.
Hab. British Kast Africa.
PYRAMEIS CARDUI, PLUSIA GAMMA, AND NEMOPHILA
NOCTUELLA.
By Rosert Apxin, F.E.S.
THE number of dull, rainy, or otherwise bad days during the
month of September, 1908, rendered anything like a continuous
record of the doings of so sun-loving a creature as Pyrameis cardut
being kept; but such fragmentary notes as I was able to make
regarding its appearance at Eastbourne during my stay there
may be of some interest when taken in conjunction with other
published observations.
Sept. 10th will long be remembered for its storm; the fresh
westerly breeze of the morning southerned a few points during
the later part of the day, and as night approached increased to a
violent hurricane; the spray-laden wind swept along the coast,
utterly destroying the more tender foliage, and even some miles
inland the exposed sides of trees and hedges were browned and
shrivelled as though they had been scorched; and its effect on
insect life on our south and east coasts must have been equally
disastrous. This was followed by fairly fine weather with calms
and slight airs until the 17th, when a south-east breeze set in,
and by the 19th had backed to east-south-east, and was blowing
freshly, and so continued until the 21st.
Up to the 20th I had seen neither cardwi nor gamma, but on
that day I noticed one of the former and several of the latter
feeding at the flowers planted in the gardens along the parades.
On the 21st one cardui and increased numbers of gamma were
seen in the same situation, and during a walk on the higher
inland downs in the late afternoon the latter-named species was
flying in great numbers, and feeding freely at bramble-blossoms,
but no concerted flight in any particular direction was observable.
The 22nd was overcast, with drizzley rain; on the 28rd a sea-fog
obscured both land and sky, and on the 24th it still hung over
the land, but less densely. Despite these adverse conditions,
PYRAMEIS CARDUI, PLUSIA GAMMA, ETC. 275
gamma was frequently seen about the flower-beds, and on the
last-named date I kicked up a single example of Nemophila noctu-
ella from a bit of rough grass at the end of the parade. The fog
had melted away to a light haze on the 25th, with an overcast
sky, and, although there was no bright sunshine, cardwi were
seen about the gardens by the sea.
The morning of the 26th broke dull, but by nine o’clock the
sun was breaking through, and I lost no time in making my way
to the sheltered hollows under Beachy Head, where, if any
butterflies were to be found, I should surely find them. By the
time I arrived there the sun was shining brilliantly, the lightest
air drifted in from the sea, and the morning was positively hot.
Such butterflies as one usually expects to find abundantly in this
spot were, however, by no means so; Lycena corydon, for
instance, was represented by less than a score of individuals,
and Hpinephele ianira was seen to about the same number during
the couple of hours that I spent there; but there was no lack of
cardui, it was distinctly the most common butterfly, and was
surpassed in numbers only by gamma, whose continued hoverings
were simply bewildering, and noctuella, which rose from the
grass at every step one took. Many of the cardui, as they fed at
the knapweed-flowers or sat sunning themselves on the bare
patches of ground, looked delightfully bright and fresh, but on
catching several of them the wear of flight was only too apparent
in the thinness of their scaling, and generally dull appearance
when shaded from the bright sunlight. Even on this bright day
an occasional wreath of fog would drift across, and during its
passage not a wing was to be seen; even gamma would seek
shelter until it had passed. This was my last chance of any
extended observation, for on the next morning rain was falling,
and, with the exception of the 380th, when I unfortunately had to
be away, dull or rainy weather continued until my return on
Oct. 2nd.
Several notes have already been published dealing with the
appearance of cardui and gamma this autumn, and Mr. Barker
has very kindly allowed me to see his remarks before publication.
On comparing the dates given with the time when the south-east
wind was prevalent, one cannot fail to be struck by the way in
which they coincide. Thus, the wind became east on the 17th,
and on the 18th the first cardui was reported (at Yarmouth) ; the
wind freshened during the next few days, and cardut increased in
numbers, and on the 21st eight examples were seen from a
steamer between Yarmouth and Walton making their way towards
the land. From the 21st to 26th the species was found in abun-
dance at places on the coast so far apart as Suffolk and Sussex,
and by this time some few had found their way as far inland as
London, and this under conditions of weather that were by no
means favourable for the movement or for the observation of a
Z 2
276 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
oes that without bright sunshine is very likely to be over-
ooked.
The appearance of gamma coincides very closely indeed with
that of cardui, and the abundance of noctuella above referred to
is a factor that must not be disregarded. Both cardui and gamma
are known migrants, and there is good reason for believing that
noctuella should be included in the same category. Such evidence
as we have with regard to this autumn’s visitation may confirm
Mr. Mathew’s suggestion (ante, 267) so far as concerns the im-
mediate cause, but we must look much further than the mere
prevalence of easterly winds in our immediate neighbourhood
for the primary cause, and I think the true solution will be found
in the migratory habits of the species in question.
Lewisham: Oct. 17th, 19038.
PLUSIA NI AT PENZANCE.
By Witu1am Daws
(Late Curator of Porth Enys Museum).
I was interested in seeing Dr. Knaggs’s account of this insect
at Lynwood, near Penzance (ante, p. 217). The reason the late
Mr. Baily did not make the matter known through the entomo-
logical magazines was that it had been hinted that he had intro-
duced the species, and this caused him a great deal of annoyance.
He told me he should keep quiet until someone opened the sub-
ject; then he would discuss it with them. I wish Dr. Knagegs
had published his note sooner, as it would have given Mr. Baily
a chance to place the facts before the public. P. nt was first
taken at Lynwood by Mr. W. Beeton, who was staying there on
a visit; he did not know anything about entomology, so used to
bring in anything in that line that he found. I do not remember
the number that was bred from larve brought in by the work-
men; Mr. Baily gave a reward to them for each P. ni reared.
Each man had a separate breeding-cage, with his name on; they
collected all the green larve they could find feeding on the cab-
bages in their gardens. Some of the gardens were three-quarters
of a mile from one another. Mr. Baily supplied several friends
and collectors with specimens. I believe a pair that he gave to
Mr. C. Briggs was sold at Stevens’s for £41s. Through the kind-
ness of Mr. Baily I have a series of four in my collection. ‘The
gamma-like mark in P. ni varies in size and definition. The
larva of P. ni can easily be separated from that of P. gamma: it
has a more slender appearance than the larva of P. gamma. The
cocoon is quite white, and the pupa is black and not so robust as
the pupa of P. gamma. Mr. Baily did not make a collection of
pupa-cases or cocoons, so no care was taken of them; but I have
PLUSIA NI AT PENZANCE. TT
three mutilated cocoons and pupa-cases from which some of the
P. ni were bred. I believe the reason it was said that P. nt had
been planted was due to the fact that either Dr. Knaggs or Mr.
Baily sent for a foreign example of P. ni for comparison ; but
how was it possible to plant colonies of P. ni in several places
from a dead example? Perhaps Dr. Knaggs could tell us who
sent for that foreign example of P. ni. I think it came from
Edmonds, of Windsor. I have this specimen also in my collection.
[Dr. Knaggs informs us that he wrote to Edmonds for a con-
tinental specimen of P. ni for comparison with the Penzance
examples.
It may be interesting in this connection to quote Mr. Bar-
rett’s remarks on the history of British P. ni. He writes .
(‘ British Lepidoptera,’ vi. 180) :—‘‘ It is very little known here,
and is apparently one of our rarest species, but there are
rumours that it is not so scarce in the far west of England. The
first specimen recorded in this country was captured flying about
blossoms of red valerian by Mr. D’Orville in his garden at Exeter
in August, 1868. The next was taken by Miss Carne, of Pen-
zance, hovering at flowers in her garden in May, 1869, and
was recognized by Mr. W. R. Jeffrey, in whose collection it still
is. Of further captures in the same district, in both imago and
larva state, definite information has been refused. The third
recorded specimen was taken in Dorsetshire by Mr. Nevinson in
1885, and the fourth at the Isle of Portland, in the same county,
in September, 1888, by Colonel Partridge, to whose lamp it was
attracted while he was sugaring. In 1894 Mrs. Richardson
found two larve in the same locality, from which the moths were
reared early in September; and in the same year Mr. C. A.
Briggs was allowed to exhibit two of the mysterious Cornish
examples. The last of which I have any reliable information is
a specimen taken sitting upon a fence at Norbiton, Surrey, in
May, 1896, by Mr. Percy Richards; but there is a specimen in
Dr. Mason’s collection which may safely be held to be British,
since it was found, overlooked, among a lot of the allied P. gamma
in a British cabinet.”
The American Plusia brassice, considered by Dr. Knaggs to
be specifically identical with P. ni, and in this opinion we concur,
is regarded as a pest in many parts of the United States. It
was known to be seriously destructive to cabbages and other
cruciferous plants in the Southern States some time before it was
named and described by Riley in 1870. Since that time it seems
to have extended its range north as far as [Illinois and New Jersey.
American entomologists state that the species is probably of
somewhat remote southern origin. Brassice is rather larger in
size and browner in colour than ni, and it would be interesting
to know which form the Penzance specimens are referable to,
as this might afford some clue to their origin.—Ep. ]
278
DESCRIPTIONS OF FOUR NEW SPECIES OF VESPA
FROM JAPAN.
By P. Cameron.
Tur four species here described were taken by Mr. George
Lewis in Japan. I have had them marked as being undescribed
for some years.
VESPA TRIDENTATA, sp. NOV.
Black; the wings dark fuscous, with a violaceous tinge; the costa
black, the nervures and stigma dark fuscous; the head, mandibles, the
apices of abdominal segments one to five, and the whole of the sixth
rufous; the hinder part of the vertex and the upper part of the outer
orbits with an orange tinge. Antenne black, the scape rufous, the
flagellum brownish beneath. Legs black, the apex of the fore femora
and their tibie rufous. ?. Length, 25 mm.
Hab. Japan.
Head large, slightly wider than the thorax; the malar space dis-
tinct, moderately large; frontal plate wider than long, becoming
gradually roundly narrowed to the apex, its base transverse, its centre
with a narrow furrow. Clypeus strongly and closely punctured, its
apex in the centre ending in a small, rounded, smooth tooth, with a
much broader, longer, rounded one on either side. Mandibles rufous,
the apex and teeth black; they are closely and strongly punctured.
The hair on the head is fuscous, paler on the clypeus. Head and
thorax covered with long dark hair. The apex of the prothorax dark
rufous. The bands on the abdomen are broad and extend on to the
ventral segments.
This species come close to V. magnifica, Smith, but that
species is larger, the temples are longer compared with the
eyes, the malar space is larger, the frontal area longer and more
sharply pointed at the apex, and the reddish bands on the abdo-
men are much narrower.
Mr. Lewis captured at Hitoyoshi a queen Vespa which forms
a well-marked variety of V. magnifica, var. latilineata, Cam. It is
larger by 6 or 7 mm. than any of the recorded examples of
magnifica ; the bands on the abdomen are much wider, and the
basal two segments are also broadly banded at the base. In
having broad abdominal bands this variety agrees with V. tri-
dentata here described, but the different form of the clypeus dis-
tinguishes that species.
VESPA XANTHOPTERA, Sp. NOV.
Fulvous, tinged in places with yellow, the vertex from shortly
behind the ocelli to the frontal plate, a line on the sides of the latter
and a broader one below the antenne, the occiput, mesonotum, a line
on the centre and apex of the scutellum, the pleure, the metanotum,
except the sides from near the top, the basal slope of the first abdo-
minal segment, the mark narrowed in the centre and united to a broad
NEW SPECIES OF VESPA FROM JAPAN. 279
transverse band, the second segment to shortly beyond the middle, the
band with an irregular border on the apex, a broad band on the third,
and a narrower one on the fourth, black. Legs coloured like the body,
the anterior femora at the base below, and the four hinder coxe, tro-
chanters, and femora, black. Antenne broadly black above, the scape
yellow, the flagellum brownish below. Wings yellowish hyaline; the
costal nervure black, the others fulvous. ¢. Length, 24 mm.
Hab. Michzusawa.
The entire insect thickly covered with long fulvous pubescence.
Clypeus distinctly punctured, its length as long as the width at the
apex, which is transverse; in the centre are three rufous marks in a
triangle. The mark on the top is widened laterally and upwards, the
centre slightly dilated. The black mark on the vertex is transverse
behind, rounded in front. Mandibles with a distinct greenish tinge.
Pronotum fulvous, as are also the tegule. The black lines on the
abdomen are slightly dilated in the middle at the apex. Ventral
surface for the most part blackish, the sides with paler marks; the
penultimate segment is roundly incised in the middle, the incision
slightly broader than long and extending to shortly behind the middle ;
the last segment is incised from side to side, the incision reaching to
the middle; the last dorsal segment is slightly incised at the apex.
Malar space moderately large.
Allied to V. micado and auraria. Characteristic is the form
of the frontal plate, which does not become gradually narrowed
towards the apex, but is broad and transverse there. The
apex of the clypeus, too, is transverse, not incised as in the
two species just mentioned. The male of awraria is not described
by Bingham, but Saussure (‘ Vespides,’ 11. 147) describes it
*“comme la femelle,” so it should, apart from its smaller size,
be easily separated from my species.
VESPA MICADO, Sp. Nov.
Rufo-fulvous, the ocellar region—the black in front reaching to the
frontal plate, and only slightly developed behind the ocelli—the meso-
notum, except for two lines extending from the base to shortly beyond
the middle, the furrow on the scutellum, its apex, the base and centre
of the post-scutellum, the base and centre of metanotum, the basal
slope of the first abdominal segment, an interrupted transverse line
near its base, and a broader one, dilated in the centre behind, near its
apex, black. Front thickly covered with long black hair, the hinder
part of the vertex and the thorax thickly covered with long fuscous
hair. Wings fuscous-violaceous, the costa black, the nervures lighter
coloured. @. Length, 27 mm.
Hab. Nagasaki.
Clypeus closely punctured, more strongly below than above, its
apex with a slight broad incision, its sides broadly rounded. Frontal
plate nearly as long as its width at the base; it becomes gradually
roundly narrowed to the apex; the black mark is incised in the middle
at its base. The clypeus and mandibles have a yellowish hue, the
mandibular teeth and apex black. Antenne coloured like the body,
280 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
the scape slightly darker coloured than the flagellum. Temples slightly
dilated from the base to the apex.
This species comes close to V. bicolor, but the colour is darker,
more rufous, without any yellow tint; it is much larger and more
robust ; in bicolor the antenne are black above, the upper part of -
the front, the vertex entirely, and the occiput are black; the
frontal mark is transverse above, the clypeus is longer compared
with its width, and the incision on its apex is deeper ; the wings
are clearer, more hyaline, and the pubescence darker. In the
ground colour my species more resembles auraria, but that
species is smaller, wants the black frontal mark, has the thorax
for the greater part blackish, and the four hinder legs for the
greater part black; also there is no yellow tinge on it.
VESPA FLAVO-FASCIATA, Sp. Nov.
Head orange-yellow ; the occiput, except round the edges, a mark
on the ocellar region, extending from shortly behind the ocelli, half-
way down the front, the mark ‘roundly narrowed before and behind ;
it is thickly covered with long blackish hair. Clypeus closely and
strongly punctured, its apex roundly but not deeply incised ; the sides
are more deeply incised. Mandibles coloured like the head, with the
teeth black. Frontal plate broadly rounded at the apex and furrowed
down the middle. Thorax deep black, the pronotum dark rufous ; the
whole thorax is thickly covered with long dark fuscous hair. Abdomen
sparsely covered with longish hair ; the basal slope of the first segment
black, the rest brown, darker on the apical half; the apex with a
narrow yellow line; the basal two-thirds of the second brown, darker
at the base, the apex slightly dilated in the middle; the base of the
third is similarly coloured to shortly beyond the middle ; ; the middle
of the black band is produced to the base of the apical third, is
obliquely narrowed, and has a rounded point on either side of the
dilated middle, the rest being yellow; the other segments yellow,
except that the fourth and fifth are narrowly brownish at the base,
with a rounded projection on the sides; the second to fourth ventral
segments are yellow at the sides, the blackish basal part projecting
there as irregularly rounded knobs; the last segment is entirely yellow.
Legs black, the apex of femora, tibie, and tarsi dark testaceous ; the
hair on the femora is long and black. Antenne dark rufous. Wings
hyaline, darker in the costal cellule; the nervures dark testaceous.
Tegule dark testaceous. 9. Length, 24mm.
Hab. Nugata (Shinanogawa).
Comes near to V. crabroniformis, Sm., and V. mongolica,
André. It has also some affinity with V. crabro.
Mr. Lewis has taken some specimens of a wasp which is
clearly V. japonica, Saussure, non Sm. non Rad. This is the
species, Col. Bingham tells me, which Smith (Trans. Ent. Soe.
1878, p. 198) quotes as V. lewisiit, Saus. MS. Vespa japonica,
Rad., is identical with mandarinia, Sm. Smith’s japonica I do
not know, and the name is not admissible, it being later than
TWO NEW JAMAICAN CULICIDA. 281
Saussure’s, which was described in Rev. et Mag. de Zool. (2), x.
1858, p. 261. The species recorded or known to me from Japan
are :—auraria, Sm., =simillima, Sm.; cincta, Fab. (George
Lewis) ; crabroniformis, Sm.; ducalis,Sm.; jflavo-fasciata, Cam. ;
japonica, Saus. ; japonica, Sm., non Saus. ; magnifica, Sm., var.
latilineata, Cam. ; micado, Cam.; mongolica, André; norwegica,
Fab.; siberica, André ; tridentata, Cam. ; xanthoptera, Cam. ; or
fourteen species in all. Thirteen species of Vespa are recorded
by Bingham from British India, but to these must be added
V. germanica, Fab., which I have seen from the Khasias. Thus
the number for both regions is the same. V. affinis, F., and
V. bicolor, F., probably extend into Japan.
G
TWO NEW JAMAICAN CULICIDA. Jp
By Frep. V. Tueopatp, M.A. “
Tue following descriptions of two new mosquitoes are drawn
up from specimens sent to the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) by
Dr. Grabham, and taken by him near Kingston. The new Culex
is very distinct, as also is the Hemagogus, which is so far the
most beautiful Jamaican mosquito yet found. The type-speci-
mens are in the Museum collection.
Genus Cuuex, Linn.
(Syst. Nat. 1735; Theob. Mono. Culicid. i. p. 326, 1901.)
Culex tortilis, n. sp.
Head golden scaled; proboscis unbanded; thorax adorned with
golden scales, and a large dark brown patch on each side in front,
the back of the mesonotum also darkened; pleurze with grey scales.
Abdomen deep brown with violet reflections; the second, third, fourth
and fifth segments with narrow basal pale bands; venter pale yellow
scaled. Legs deep brown, unbanded; venter of femora and coxe
white. Ungues equal.
?. Head brown, clothed with narrow-curved golden-yellow
scales, a few black bristles, and ochraceous .upright forked scales ;
proboscis and palpi deep brown; antenne brown; basal joint testaceous;
second joint very large and swollen, deep brown. Thorax deep brown,
the middle of the mesonotum clothed with narrow-curved golden
scales ; on each side in front a roundish rich deep brown patch, and
the posterior part of the mesonotum with darker scales than the front,
being almost brown, but not so dark as the front lateral areas ;
scutellum with dull golden-brown scales and brown border-bristles ;
metanotum bright chestnut-brown; pleure pale brown, with spots of
grey scales. Abdomen black in some lights, rich deep but dull violet
in others; the first segment with dusky scales, forming two spots and
pale golden hairs; the second, third, fourth and fifth segments with
narrow pale yellowish basal bands, not extending quite across the
282 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
segments, the fifth sometimes very inconspicuous ; basal lateral white
spots most prominent on the apical segments; venter clothed with
creamy yellow scales; border-bristles of the dorsum pale golden.
Legs deep brown, except the coxe and venter of the femora, which
are grey to creamy yellow; femora, tibie, and hind metatarsi with
black bristles; hind metatarsi very nearly as long as the hind tibie ;
fore and mid ungues equal, uniserrated; hind equal and simple.
Wings clothed with typical brown Culew scales; fork-cells rather
short; first submarginal cell very slightly longer, but narrower than
the second posterior cell, its stem about as long as the cell, its base
about level with the base of the second’ posterior cell, if anything
slightly nearer the apex; stem of the second posterior cell not quite
as long as the cell; posterior cross-vein very short, about twice its
own length distant from the mid; a pale spot at the base of the wing;
halteres testaceous. Length 4 to 4°5 mm.
Hab. Kingston, Jamaica.
Time of capture. August.
Observations. —Described from a series of females taken by
Dr. Grabham. They are very distinct, small, thick-set mos-
quitoes, easily told by the thoracic adornment, the two dark
spots on the front of the mesothorax being very characteristic ;
their unbanded legs at once separate them from Culex secutor,
Theob., or C. janitor, Theob., and they are of much stouter
build. When alive they can easily be identified by the character
noticed by Dr. Grabham, of carrying their hind legs twisted
right forward over their head, when settled, after the manner of
Wyeomyias. There is some variation in the venation. Some
specimens show the base of the first submarginal cell slightly
nearest the apex, and the posterior cross-vein as long as the mid
cross-vein, and about its own length distant from it. In others
the basal abdominal banding is very faint; in one there is a
trace of an additional basal abdominal band.
Genus Hamacoaus, Williston.
(Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1896, p. 271, Williston; Mono. Culicid. i.
p. 238, Theob.)
TIemagogus equinus, n. sp.
Head metallic violet, white between the eyes in front; palpi and
proboscis black ; antenne pale brown. Thorax metallic green; pleure
snowy white. Abdomen bright metallic violet, with three prominent
and one faint silvery white basal bands and white lateral spots. Legs
unbanded, deep brown; femora white beneath. Wings with violet
reflections, iridescent.
2. Head clothed with flat metallic violet scales, except a patch
between the eyes, which are white, and at the sides, where they are
grey and black; black bristles project over the eyes, and there is a
trace of a narrow pale border surrounding them; clypeus with a frosty
sheen ; palpi black; proboscis black, curved upwards, nearly as long
as the whole body; antenne pale brown, basal segments deep brown,
TWO NEW JAMAICAN CULICIDA. 283
with dusky scales on the large basal and second segments. Thorax
black, covered with large flat apple-green metallic scales, rounded at
their apices and irregularly disposed over the mesonotum; a patch of
almost silvery white ones just in front of the roots of the wings, with
also long dense black bristles; scutellum with flat green and blue
scales and black border-bristles ; prothoracic lobes and pleure silvery
white. Abdomen rich metallic violet; the first segment with an
oblique white line on each side; the second and third unadorned ;
the fourth with a few large basal white scales; the fifth, sixth and
seventh segments with basal white bands; border-bristles short, black ;
each segment witha large basal silvery white lateral spot; venter pure
silvery white; each segment with a median black spot, the last two
segments projecting downwards, and giving the appearance of two
ventral black tufts. Legs unbanded, deep brown, with metallic violet
reflections, and a pale knee spot to the mid and hind pair; femora
white beneath; ungues small, equal, and simple. Wings faintly
tinged with brown, metallic violet and iridescent in certain lights ;
first submarginal cell slightly longer and narrower than the second
posterior cell, its base nearer the apex of the wing, its stem longer than
the cell; stem of the second posterior longer than the cell; posterior
cross-vein rather more than its own length distant from the mid cross-
vein; halteres with ochraceous stem and fuscous knob. Length, 4-5 mm.
Hab. Kingston, Jamaica, W.I.
Time of capture. August (24th).
Observations.—Described from a single perfect specimen.
Dr. Grabham took this brilliant species feeding on a horse. He
took two specimens, and mentions that ‘‘it is by far the most
brilliant species found here, and evidently uncommon.” It was
taken at 7 p.m. at the lower end of Old Pound Road. It
resembles H. cyaneus, Fabricius, but the venation is different,
the first submarginal cell being smaller, and having its base
nearer the apex of the wing, whilst in cyaneus it is nearer the
base ; moreover, the abdomen is adorned. It also approaches
H. albomaculatus, Theob., but the abdomen has not the curious
chetotactic characters seen in that species (vide fig. 171, p. 309,
Mono. Culicid., vol. ili.) and is banded, not having the two
median spots seen in albomaculatus.
The three species of Hemagogus tabulate as follows :—
A. Abdomen unadorned. Base of first submarginal
cell nearer base of wing than the base of the
second posterior cell . cyaneus, Fab. = splendens, Willis.
AA. Abdomen adorned.
a. Base of first submarginal cell nearer apex
of wing than that of posterior cell.
b. With prominent chete and two median
basal white spots . , : albomaculatus, Theob.
bb. No prominent chetz, but basal white bands
and a white oblique stripe on each side of
first segment : ; ; : equinus, Theob.
284 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
A LIST OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE ISLAND OF
CAPRI; WITH A’ FEW NOTES.
By C. Sryvmour Browne.
(Continued from p. 256.)
Ir is rather remarkable that the Rhopalocera are not more
varied in proportion to the Heterocera, of which I shall be able
to mention about 400. One butterfly, which escaped me, and
which I could not name, would be all I could at present add
further to my previous list.
I am greatly indebted to Sir George F. Hampson, Bart., who
has most kindly named a great many of my specimens. I may
also mention that Signor Antonino Mazzarella, of Anacapri, can
supply most of the Lepidoptera mentioned in my list.
Several boxes of set specimens sent to England, owing to the
tender mercies of the post, met with disastrous results; and, as I
have been unable to resend several duplicates (papered next time),
the list will be short of a few names, which I will add as oppor-
tunity occurs.
It has been noticeable that during the driest part of the
summer few Lepidoptera have been about, and the darkest nights
have not been nearly so productive as the few dark hours before
the rise of the moon when about full.
Lycayi (omitted from last list).
580. Lampides telicanus, Lang. Common in autumn.
SPHINGIDE.
717. Acherontia atropos, Linn. Common on the mainland, but only
two specimens taken, autumn, 1903. One of these moths flew on board
a ship I was travelling in, off Livorno, about six miles from land, end
of November, 1901.
735. Protoparce convolvuli, Linn. Common.
752a. Deilephila lineata, Ksp., var. livornica, Esp. One specimen,
1902; two, summer, 1908.
759. Cherocampa elpenor, Linn. Scarce.
368. Macroglossa stellatarum, Linn. Very common. N.B.—There
should be many more Sphingide found here, but I have been too much
occupied in the early evenings to give them much attention. I hear
of many varieties taken on the mainland.
NotoponTIDz.
781la. Cerura bifida, Hb., var. urocera, Bois. Rare.
785. Dicranura vinula, Linn. Searce.
858. Phalera bucephala, Linn. (see previous note, ante, p. 255).
LyMANTRIIDE.
929. Lymantria dispar, Linn. Very common.
LEPIDOPTERA OF THE ISLAND OF CAPRI. 285
LASIOCAMPID.
956. Malacosoma neustria, Linn. Common.
970f. Lasiocampa quercus, Linn., var. spartii, Hb. Rare.
1000. Odonestis prunt, Linn. Scarce.
SATURNIIDE.
1084. Saturnia pyri, Schiff. Very common in May. Others of
same family should be found here, but have not noticed any.
Noctuip™.
1152. Agrotis pronuba, Linn. Very common.
1158. A. orbona, Hufn. Rare.
1154, A. comes, Hb. Scarce.
1345. A. puta, Hb. Very common, and is one of the first moths
to appear. :
1387. A. obelisca, Hb. Fairly common in autumn.
1400. A. segetum, Schiff. Very common. The markings vary.
1402a. A. saucia, Hb., ab. margaritosa, Hw. Common.
1425. Pachnobia faceta, Tr. Four specimens, spring, 1903.
1484. Mamestra glauca, Hb. Scarce.
1514. M. serena, Fabr. Fairly common.
1544, Dianthecia magnolii, Bois. Scarce.
1599. Bryophila muralis, Forst. Common.
1599). B. muralis, Forst., var. par, Hb. Commoner than B.
murals,
1664. Hadena solieri, Bois. Very common this autumn ; a nuisance
when working with an acetylene lamp.
1715. H. secalis. Scarce. Specimens taken in the spring.
1846. Callopistria purpureofasciata, Piller. Only one specimen,
summer, 1902. .
1848. C. latreiilei, Dup. Two specimens, summer, 1903.
1867. Brotolomia meticulosa, Linn. One specimen, October, 1903
(see note in previous list).
1913. Tapinostola musculosa, Hb. Fairly scarce.
1942. Leucania scirpi, Dup. Very common.
1946. L. punctosa, Tr. Very common.
1954. L. l-album, Linn. Common.
1957. L. loreyi, Dup. Scarce.
1961. L. vitellina, Hb. Fairly scarce.
1990. Caradrina exigua, Hb. Occurs all through the season, but
common in spring.
2005. C. selini, Bois. Scarce.
2019. C. ambigua. Common, autumn.
2183. Xylomyges conspicillaris, Linn. Several specimens last
spring.
2325. Heliothis peltigera, Schiff.
2327. H. armigera, Hb. Both fairly common, armigera occurring
later than peltigera. Both show distinct shadings from red-brown to
greenish.
2361. Xanthodes malve, Esp. Only one specimen, 1902.
2380. Acontia luctuosa, Esp. Very common.
OGG: THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
2429. Thalpochares parva, Hb., and
2449. 7. scitula, Rbr. Both fairly common.
2490. Hmmelia trabealis, Sc. Common, spring and early summer.
2496. Metoponia vespertalis, Hb. Fairly scarce.
2557. Plusia chalcytes, Hsp. Fairly scarce.
2562. P. gamma. Linn. Very common.
2571. P. ni, Tr. Nearly as common as gamma.
2644. Grammodes algira. Difficult to get perfect specimens.
2670. Catocala elocata, Esp. A few specimens.
2720. Apopestes spectrum, Esp. If the broom is searched many
pup can generally be found in early summer, together with L. quercus
var. spartit.
2723. A.dilucida, Hb. Fairly searce.
2743. Toxocampa cracca, Fabr. Fairly common.
2797. Herminia crinalis, Tr.
2818. Hypena obsitalis, Hb. Quantities can be taken im any dark
place used for storing brushwood, but have not taken any at light.
2820. H. lividalis, Hb. Occasionally found on walls, and comes
to light at night.
(To be continued.)
CURRENT NOTES.—No. 2.
By G. W. Kirxapy.
(Continued from p. 264.)
To W. F. Fisxr (2) we are indebted for an extensive study of
the hymenopterous parasites of Clistocampa americana. Primary
parasites, hyperparasites of the primary ones, secondary para-
sites, and hyperparasites of the secondary oues, are all discussed
at length. ‘In the beginning of the series of collections and
breedings it was supposed that the parasites would be found to
exert considerable influence on the prevailing numbers of their
host; that is to say, in the case of Clisiocampa americana, for
instance, that the parasites would be found to be one of the more
important of the factors which governed the abundance of this
species from year to year. But investigation failed to confirm
this theory. . . . In 1896 it was exceedingly common, .. . and
it was consequently assumed that its parasites would also have
increased to such an extent as to be a considerable factor in
bringing about a more normal condition in 1897. But, strangely
enough, this reasoning was found to be diametrically opposite to
the facts of the case. In 1896 a great many caterpillars were
destroyed by Limneria fugitiva, and numbers of the characteristic
cocoons of this species were collected and bred. . . These proved
to be in their turn almost entirely the prey of Pimpla inquisitor,
and the breeding-cages in which the cocoons were confined be-
CURRENT NOTES. 287
coming filled with the adults of the hyperparasite, it was... .
given credit for the destruction of large numbers of tent-cater-
pillars. Thus it was the Limneria which proved to be the real
victim, and, as its cocoons were rare, the next year the primary
host, Clisiocampa americana, was indirectly but decidedly the
gainer... . The parasites, as a body, were found to exact a
certain tithe of blood, so to speak, and, this being obtained,
would proceed to fight over its possession, passing it from one to
another, from parasite to hyperparasite, until often, perhaps,
there would be little more than enough left of a single large
caterpillar than that sufficient to support a single small
chalcid.” The annual percentage of caterpillars of Clistocampa
destroyed by parasites, Fiske estimates at about 15 to 20 per
cent. Pimpla inquisitor (Say) and P. conquisitor (Say) seem to
have the peculiar faculty of being both primary and secondary
parasite of the same host. ‘‘ Though it is doubtful if in nature
the following sequence ever takes place, there is no reason why
it should not, as all the species mentioned are normally parasitic
on the next preceding :-—
Host : : : . Clisiocampa americana.
Primary parasite . . Limneria fugitiva.
Secondary parasite . . Pimpla conquisitor.
Tertiary parasite . . Theronia fulvescens.
Quaternary parasite . Dibrachys boucheanus.
Quinquenary parasite . Asecodes albitarsis.”
O. W. Barrett (8) discusses the Antillean Mole Cricket.
The habits of this destructive orthopteron appear to be similar
to those of the European G. gryllotalpa. The damage to crops in
Puerto Rico by the Changa amounts to probably more than
£20,000 sterling annually, the crops injured most being cane,
tobacco, and rice; comparatively little damage is done in clayey
soil, moist sandy loam being preferred, while saturation and
extreme dryness of the soil prevent the mole cricket's opera-
tions. Remedies are discussed, with notes on the few natural
enemies.
H. Scnoutepen (4) continues his interesting contributions to
our knowledge of Aphid. The present one is to a certain extent
a compilation, but is nevertheless valuable, consisting of a list
of various plants, with the name of their aphidocecids under
each. A second list follows of genera and species of Aphide,
with the plants (under each) on which they produce the galls.
Several new forms are described.
(To be continued.)
288 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.
LopHorreryx cARMELITA. — Whilst collecting about the middle of
August in West Kent, I found a larva of L. carmelita crawling up a large
beech tree. I thought it might have wandered from a neighbouring
birch, but on offering it that food and beech it selected the latter. I had
no opportunity of visiting the locality again, but my friends Messrs. Cope
and Blest went there and took ten more larve between August 18th and
27th, all in similar positions, viz. crawling up the trunks of beech-
trees. . Boisterous winds were prevalent at the time, and the larve had
undoubtedly been blown off the trees. The last one spun up on Sept.
11th. I was previously unaware that the larve of L. carmelita fed on
beech, or that they were to be found so late as the end of August and
beginning of September; and I have never known this insect to be
double-brooded.—EKpwin Goopwin ; Canon Court, Wateringbury.
Tse Hysernation oF Dasycurra Frascetina.—While on a visit to
Rannoch in the summer of 1901, I found on July 15th three larve
of D. fascelina about three-quarters of an inch in length. Two of the
larvee were in slight silken cocoons between stones, one amongst some
which formed a small cairn. The other, also in a hybernaculum, was
concealed in a thick tuft of heather. The larve, on removal, did not
eat any food. When disturbed they would curl up and remain with-
out moving for hours, and would then spin a fresh house. On Aug.
1st they had eaten large holes in the muslin covering of their box,
using the scraps to spin into their cocoons. Two larve died in
November, the third survived till the following March, sleeved out in
the garden. This year, early in July, on the same hillside, I obtained
another larva of D. fascelina of the same size and spun up like the
three former ones, and which, in spite of being kept in a hot room and
supplied with fresh food, has hybernated without eating or moving up
to the present date—October 4th. Cases of larve hybernating over
two winters in captivity are not uncommon, but I have not seen a
record in the case of wild larve. The causes of hybernation are very
obscure, and for the invertebrates have been insufficiently studied.
But if we accept the usual explanation, 7.¢. unfavourable conditions,
especially cold and hunger, then some instances are easily explicable.
Larve indoors are of necessity in an unnatural environment, and
something in the conditions in which they are being kept may easily
induce them to extend their period of hybernation. In 1901, however,
everything was apparently favourable; the weather was particularly
hot, and food abundant. Thinking that some parasite might have
been the cause—though this usually acts as a stimulant—I carefully
examined the bodies of the dead larve, but found no trace of any.
The explanation must be sought elsewhere. It is possible that a cold
week at the time when the larve usually begin feeding may have in-
duced this curious lengthening of torpidity. It certainly may well
have been the cause this season, for a colder and more inhospitable
spring has not been experienced in the district for many years.—H. A.
CooxaynE ; Sheffield.
Some Aserrations or Burrerriies.—Among various aberrations
of butterflies sent for examination by Mr. E. Sabine of Erith, the fol-
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 289
lowing seem to be of interest:—A female specimen of Pieris napi,
bred in the spring of the present year. The example is of full size,
but on the under side of the hind wings there is a curious partial ab-
sence of dark shading to the venation; this only extends along the
nervures, and about half-way along the first median nervule, is rather
faint. Of Huchloé cardamines there is a female specimen with two
longitudinal irregular streaks on the under side of the hind wings,
extending from just inside the cell almost to the outer margin of the
wing. This was taken at Darenth last May, and on the day it was
captured only one other female and two males of this species were seen.
Two specimens of Vanessa urtice reared from larve have unusually
vivid blue outer marginal spots; these spots are larger than normal,
and somewhat wedge-shaped. Several more or less aberrant specimens
of Chrysophanus phleas were bred in July this year. One is of a pale
golden colour; two others are dark copper, tinged with purple on the
basal half; one of the latter has rather large blue spots before the
band on the hind wings; a fourth specimen has abnormally long tails.
The best variety, however, of phlwas is a female example in which
spots 1, 2, 8, and 5 of the submarginal series are extended inwards,
forming conspicuous black bars; 2 and 8 unite with the outer discal
spot. This aberration agrees very closely with an example fteured in
Kntom. xxix. 191. An interesting point in connection with these
aberrations of C. phiwas is that the females from which the ova were
obtained are described by Mr. Sabine as ‘‘ exceedingly commonplace.”
Ca@NonYMPHA IPHIS IN Britrany: a Correction.—We have seen the
specimens recorded from Brittany by Mr. Denis Turner as Ceno-
nympha iphis (ante, p. 246), and find that they are not examples of
that species but of C. arcania. ‘The error in identification is to be re-
gretted, and with such an insect as C. arcania should not have occurred.
Aperration oF Arcria cats.—Mr. F’, Hind, of Nottingham, found
an unusually pretty aberration of 4. caia, resting under a hedge in
August last. The specimen is normal in every respect, except that
the ordinary cream-coloured markings of the fore wings are bright
yellowish buff, similar in tint to the hind wings of 4. villica, but
perhaps hardly so yellow.
VaGARIES OF THE SEason.—lI can add some further information to
the interesting note on this subject (ante, p. 267), for on Monday,
Sept. 21st, I found a full-grown larva of Arctia caia feeding on
groundsel, which spun up in three days. Hpinephele ianira was still
flying here—more than one, on Friday, Oct. 9th.—Huco Harpur
Crewe ; Stanleys, near Brockenhurst.
ABRAXAS GROSSULARIATA: SECOND Broop.—In the October number
of the ‘Entomologist’ I recorded the fact of a larva of this moth
spinning up for pupation on Sept. 21st (ante, p. 266). Iam glad to
record that it pupated, and that the moth emerged some time during
the night on Oct. 13th. The pupa remained for two weeks outdoors,
and for the other six days was kept in a warm room. The perfect
insect is a small one, as I expected from the size of the pupa, but is a
pretty specimen, having the third series of usually sub-confluent spots
on the fore wings almost forming an intensely black transverse band.
ENTOM.—NOVEMBER, 1!'U8. 2a
290 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
The hind wings are light, but not unusually spotted. Since taking
the larva that produced this specimen, in the garden, I have found
about two dozen pup, and quite two dozen larve, now nearly all
pupated, hanging on various plants and on the fences particularly,
south side. I have been daily expecting some of the moths to emerge,
but they have not done so yet, though kept in a warm room. A. gros-
sulariata has had a remarkable life this year, as the mildness of the
fore part of the spring brought on some of the larve very early, and
consequently there was a partial early emergence in June; then the wet
and cold set in and kept the rest emerging until very late. No doubt
the pupee and full-fed larvae now to be had are the progeny of the early
imagines, I took the last pupa, outdoors, on Oct. 22nd. It is worth
noticing that this second brood have fed on unusual plants and trees,
as the currant and gooseberry bushes were, in my absence, almost
stripped of their foliage by the sawfly (Nematous ribesti). I have taken
the larve off plum-trees, apple, raspberry canes and strawberry,
though the greatest number were feeding or spun up on young shoots
of old black currant-bushes, which I had to cut down owing to another
ereat pest of this neighbourhood—the black currant mite or gall-fly.
—KEp. G. J. Sparxe; Tooting Bec Road, S.W., Oct. 23rd, 1903.
[In a note dated Oct. 28th, Mr. Sparke writes: ‘‘ Another A.
grossulariata emerged this afternoon about 3 o’clock.’’—Ep.]
YeELLow ConourineG or Cocoon or Piusia moneta.—In reply to Mr.
Bird’s note (ante, p. 242), I may state that I have tried the effect of
moisture on the cocoons of P. moneta, and with various results. In
two cases submersion had no apparent effect on the cocoons, while in
other cases the cocoons changed to yellow of various shades. Nearly
all these experiments were carried out with empty cocoons; the two
which did not change colour, however, were white, and comparatively
fresh, but moths did not emerge from them owing to the specimens
dying after the pupe# had been formed, but whether before or after
submersion I cannot say. Mr. F. M. B. Carr, of Salisbury, informs
me that he reared four larve of P. moneta (from Northwood, Middlesex),
one cocoon of which is pure white, two dirty white, and one almost
entirely yellow. All these four larvee were kept in a glass-bottom box
about two inches in diameter and one and a-half inches deep, and the
cocoons were all spun on the side or top of the box. I shall feel
obliged if Mr. Bird will let us know how one of these cocoons obtained
more moisture than the others. Mr. E. M. Holmes, of Sevenoaks, wrote
me last August concerning P. moneta as follows :—‘ All my cocoons
this year were exceptionally pale, but five that spun up the first week
in June were absolutely white’’ (these, I understand, changed colour
after submersion in water). This fact would seem strange if the
presence of moisture caused the cocoons to change to yellow without
actual submersion, for we certainly have not had a dry spring this
year. Mrs. Holmes has obtained (by submersion) a change in the
colour of three-year-old cocoons.—RautrieH §. Smatiman; Carlton
House, Herne Hill, §8.E., Oct. 9th, 1908.
Vespipz.—-I am making a study of the above, and especially of
V. crabro (the hornet), but have experienced a great difficulty in
getting specimens of the species. Can any of your readers help me
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 291
by giving localities where they can be found? ‘To be of use to me in
dissecting they must be freshly caught or alive-—Herserr H. Crarkz ;
Watlington House, Sidcup, Kent, Oct. 6th, 1903.
GEomETRA vernaRtA.—lI read Mr. Russell’s article (ante, p. 227) with
great interest; I obtained a quantity of these larve in the spring by
beating. One thing I noticed, which may only have been chance: all
the males spun up and emerged at least ten days before any of the
females. I should like to know if Mr. Russell had the same experi-
ence.—Hersert H. Crarxe; Sidcup, Kent.
Evrrrnecta rocata.—The strong winds which prevailed in Scotland
towards the end of August had the effect of making the larva of this
insect an easy capture. When in Argyleshire, in a locality where a
single imago was taken four years ago, I found the ground strewn with
spruce cones, many of which contained larve. Nearly every cone,
however, had been more or less completely eaten by squirrels in the
two days which had elapsed since the gale had brought them down,
and I should fancy that a large proportion of larve must have been
destroyed.—Joun A. Nix; Oct. 5th, 1908.
SrrEx guvencus at Werysripce.—This beautiful species has been
emerging in some numbers during the past month from a, fir-tree
which was felled and split up at Weybridge, Surrey. As notices are
often published of the occurrence of S. gigas in different parts of the
country, and I have seen it stated that juvencus is the more abundant
of the two, I should like to mention that in my experience S. gigas is
by far the more common in Britain. Every year I hear of many of
the latter appearing in different places, but not so with juvencus, having
only occasionally received specimens or notices of its occurrence.—
F. W. Frouawk.
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS.
VANESSA ANTIOPA IN THE IsLE or Wicut.—In the ‘ Field,’ Sept. 26th,
W. T. records having seen, on Sept. 17th, a specimen of V. antiopa fly
past him quite close, but not having a net was unable to capture it.
Before he saw it, a friend of his had watched the butterfly for several
minutes, and as it pitched several times close to him, he was able to
identify it without difficulty.—F. W. F.
Species or THE Genus Prusia 1n Kent. — Apropos of the notes
on the scarceness of P. chrysitis | may say that at Sidcup, during last
July, I could have taken without any great trouble a dozen or two a
night, flying over bramble and other flowers; I procured ova from
one of them, the larve appeared in due time, and a good proportion fed
right up, and the perfect insects are now emerging. I took P. pulchrina
at the same time, and from the ova obtained one hundred and forty
larve, but from some unexplained reason they all died when about
half an inch long. P. gamma at the present time is flying in great
numbers.—Hersert H. Crarxe; Sidcup, Kent.
292 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Leucania Lorry 1n Sourn Devon.—A specimen of this excessively
rare British moth was captured by me at Torquay (at sugar) on Sept.
27th, 1900.—Aurrep EK. Hoxtpaway, Lonouli, Newton Abbot, Oct. 26th.
CHRYSOPA ASPERSA AND C, Fuava at Batnam.—On June 21st last I
took two specimens of Chrysopa off a fence at Balham. ‘These, on ex-
amination, proved to be C. aspersa and C. flava. From their condition
at the time I should say that the insects had just emerged.—W. J.
Lucas; 28, Knights Park, Kingston-on-Thames.
SPHINX convoLvuLI In IrELAND.—While dusking on the evening of
Sept. 6th last, in Ireland, I took two specimens of S. convolvuli at
flowers of Nicotiana affinis. They are unfortunately both very worn.—
F. W. Y. Jackson; 2, Vicarage Gate, Kensington, W., Oct. 11th, 1903.
SPHINX CONVOLVULI AND CH#®ROCAMPA NER IN WaARWICKSHIRE.—I had
brought me yesterday a lovely male specimen of C.nerii. It was found
at rest on a yew cut hedge in a gentleman’s garden on the outskirts of
the town. Evidently it had just emerged, and is in perfect condition.
This does not agree with Newman’s theory that one now and again is
blown over from France; it could hardly have got to the middle of
Warwickshire by that method. A fortnight ago I had a male S. con-
volvuli brought me, found at rest on a door in a close yard in the
middle of the town.—Cuas. Baxer; 25, Long Street, Atherstone,
Oct. 10th, 1908.
CH&ROCAMPA CELERIO AT Bricuton.—I have just received a speci-
men of C. celerio from Mr. F. Trangmar, of Brighton. It was captured
on October 24th last at the Brighton railway works by Mr. J. Clayton,
who caught it with his hands, and consequently the specimen is
slightly rubbed.—H. McArruur; 385, Averill Street, Fulham Palace
Road, W., October 26th, 1908.
PHIBALAPTERYX FLUVIATA (GEMMATA) AT CHICHESTER.— Seeing but
few notices of this pretty little geometer, and as it is the first time
that I have ever seen or taken it alive, it may be interesting to record
the capture of a female specimen at a gas-lamp here on Sept. 22nd
last.—JosepH ANDERSON.
Nores on Lepriporrera at Cuicuester, 1908.—In common with
very many collectors of Lepidoptera, my experience has been that of a
succession of bad seasons, this has been absolutely the worst which
I ever remember. I began sugaring early in June, and on the 8th of
that month took Dipterygia scabriuscula for the first time in this
locality. On July 18th Mania maura first made its appearance, and
at the end of the month Apamea unanimis and Hadena didyma, the
latter varying greatly. I also took Miana literosa. Zeuzera pyrina
(escult) occurred in August. In September Agrotis suffusa and Xanthia
gilvago came to sugar.—JosEPH ANDERSON.
Lucanus cERvus at CuicHEsterR.—This fine beetle has been some-
what abundant here this season.—JosEPH ANDERSON.
Acronyora ALNI In Hampsuire.—On August 12th last a larva of
this scarce moth was found and brought to me by the daughter of one
of my gardeners, who noticed it on a hazel bush not far from this
house. Unfortunately it proved to be ‘‘ichneumoned,” and died
CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 293
in a few days. —Huco Harpur Crewe; Stanleys, Brockenhurst,
Hants.
Pieris papuipice, &e., at Fouxestone.—On July 6th of this year,
while collecting Lycena bellargus at Folkestone, I took a female speci-
men of P. daplidice. One hind wing is slightly chipped, but otherwise
it is in very fair condition. I found L. bellargus fully out, and L.
minima was abundant. I think it is unusual for minima to be out at
the same time as the first brood of bellargus, and July 6th is a late
date for the latter species. —F. Kinesman; 47, Parkstone Road,
Peckham, S.E.
Levcania viteLuina, &c., at Lewres.—During a recent short visit to
Lewes I captured a specimen of L. vitellina at sugar (Sept. 27th). It
is not in very good condition, being somewhat rubbed. Noctua xantho-
grapha was very common in the same locality, and I also noticed
Noctua c-nigrum and Anchocelis lunosa. On the 26th I sugared at
another spot about a mile from where I took the L. vitellina, and took
several Agrotis suffusa and A. segetum. Anchocelis pistacina was also
seen, and numbers of Phiogophora meticulosa. On one patch I counted
sixteen of the latter, besides other species. In the course of a long
walk on the 27th I noticed a good many Vanessa cardui and Plusia
gamma, and netted a series of Stenopterya noctuella (hybridalis), and at
dusk Crambus inquinatellus was taken. The total bag for one day and
two evenings was about forty specimens.—Puiuip J. Barraup ; Bushey
Heath, Herts.
Pyrameis ataLanra at Licht.—I have to record the capture of
a Pyrameis atalanta while flying round an acetelene gas-lamp at about
ten o’clock last night in Wallington. I have never heard of this
species being taken in this way before, though I have noticed two or
three specimens of Pyrameis cardui inside the lamps during the last
two months. Both species have been exceedingly abundant here this
year, especially the first-named, and it was not at all an uncommon
thing to see from four to seven of this beautiful butterfly settling on
an old sugar patch in the morning.—Lesuim H. Morss-Rosinson ;
Wandle Bank, Wallington, Surrey, Oct. 20th, 1903.
PyraMeIs carpur at Exxecrric Licut.—At the Clapham electric
lights two specimens of P. cardui were taken on September 17th at
ten o’clock at night, and another specimen on the 18th.—H. G.
Wesster; 147, Elsley Road, Lavender Hill, 8.W., Oct. 8th, 1903.
PyraMEIs carDur, &¢., In Kent.—I have seen this insect in almost
every lane and field round here for miles during September, and over one
field of mustard they absolutely swarmed ; had I been so disposed I
could have captured them by hundreds. Polia jlavocincta also, at the
time of writing, literally swarms at sugar. Mania maura in July
seemed to be very plentiful, flying into the house at dusk.—Henrserr
H. Crarxe; Sidcup, Kent, Oct. 8th, 1903.
PyrameIs carpuI AND Puusra Gamma.—The following note may be
of interest with regard to the appearances of these two insects. I
went to Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on Sept. 9th, and stayed there until
the 21st of that month. Upto Thursday the 17th the weather was
very stormy, the wind being very high and blowing chiefly from the
294 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
north-west, but it moderated on the 17th, and in the evening of that
day, at dusk, I saw the first Plusia gamma, flying over bramble
blossom at Great Ormesby. The next day, Friday the 18th, when the
wind changed nearly due east and remained in this quarter until I
returned, and was very stormy, I noticed several P. gamma flying
around the flower-beds in the gardens on the sea-front at Yarmouth,
and one Pyrameis cardui, which appeared a little worn. On Saturday
the 19th, there were several P. gamma on the North Denes, and in the
course of the day I saw three P. cardui about the town and gardens.
The next day, Sunday, I noticed two P. cardui flying in one of the
gardens near the sea-front as early as half-past six in the morning,
and saw six or seven during the day, all more or less worn. Later in
the morning I was walking across the North Denes and noticed Plusia
gamma there in hundreds, although, as previously stated, there were
only a few on the day before. There were no P. cardui, but several
were seen, on my return to the town, flying around and sitting on the
flowers in the gardens of the houses. I returned by boat on the 21st,
and the wind was blowing half a gale, but between Gorleston and
Walton I saw eight P. cardwi pass over the boat as they flew towards
the shore. I did not reach Walton until half-past four, as the boat
was delayed two hours owing to a break-down, or I might have been
able to have seen others on landing; the last I saw was flying around
the pier at Walton. I might add that several P. cardui have been
taken in Nunhead Cemetery and brought to me, all more or less worn
and damaged; and I have seen it at Brockley and in my own garden
at Peckham, but I think this is common knowledge, as it has occurred
around London pretty generally. In South Square, Gray’s Inn, the
other morning there was an example of Pyrameis atalanta sunning
itself on the wall of the buildings.—H. W. Barker.
SOCIETIES.
Sourn Lonpon Enromonocican anp Naturat History Socimtry.—
August 27th, 1903.—Mr. E. Step, F.L.8., President, in the chair.—Mr.
R. Adkin exhibited a variety of Limenitis sibylla in which the white
markings were somewhat reduced in size and partially obscured by
a dusting of black scales, together with a var. of Cleora glabraria
in which the basal third of the fore wings was very dark. Both were
from the New Forest.—Mr. Step, the very large Heteropteron,
Belostoma grande, from Trinidad, where it is known as the ‘‘ Hlectric
Kel.”—Mr. West, the three British representatives of the Hetero-
pterous genus Pilophorus, all from Oxshott, viz., P. cinnamopterus
on pines, P. perpleaus and P. clavatus on oak.—Mr. Hare, a variety
of Acidalia aversata with the posterior half of both fore and hind
wings suffused with fuscous.—Mr. Dodds, several curiously streaked
male specimens of Ocneria dispar. He had inbred the species for the
last three seasons, and had not previously met with this variation.
The streaks were the colour of the female, and very far from being
symmetrical. Mr. Garrett, a male specimen of Porthesia similis
(auriflua) only half the usual size, taken at Wimbledon, and a female
SOCIETIES. 295
Polyommatus corydon with several blue marks along the costa of the
right fore wing, forming a broken streak. It was taken at Purley.—
Mr. West and Mr. Ashby reported that they had been warned out of
the open sandpit on Oxshott Heath, while searching for Coleoptera,
because ‘it interfered with the birds getting their evening meal.’”’—
Mr. F. M. B. Carr, (1), a collection of Lepidoptera made this season
in the Salisbury district, including HMugonia polychloros, Nemeobius
lucina, Lithosia sororcula (aureola), Gastropacha quercifolia, Notodonta
dictea, Plusia moneta, Hurymene dolabraria, Cleora lichenaria, Minoa
euphorbiata, &e.; (2), a bred example of Cabera pusaria var. rotundaria ;
and (8), a series of P. moneta bred from Northwood larve, together
with yellow and white cocoons. He said that white cocoons dipped
in water became yellow. He also noted that some sixty males of
Orgyia antiqua had assembled to a bred female in two days.
September 10th.—The President in the chair.—Mr. Garrett exhibited
a specimen of Pyramets atalanta, with the red submarginal band of
the hind wings marked with yellow spots. It was bred from Arundel
larve.— Mr. Goulton, a larva of Coleophora limosipennella, found
feeding on birch at Oxshott, and also photographs of various larva,
including Cucullia verbasci, C. lychnitis, Jocheeara (Acronycta) alni,
Pterostoma palpina, &¢.—Mr. Adkin, a series of Zonosoma linearia,
reared from West Sussex ova. He referred to the varieties exhibited,
and pointed out a specimen in which occurred a small wedge-shaped
dark mark extending inwards from the central line of the fore wings.—
Mr. Main, examples of three species of New Zealand butterflies,
including Pyrameis gonerilla, the close ally of our P. atalanta.—Mr.
Carr, larve of Melanthia albicillata and Cosmotriche potatoria, and
stated that he had a larva of the latter species which apparently
intended to go over a second winter. A discussion ensued.—Mr. West
(Greenwich), a series of the Homopteron Gargara geniste, which he
had taken on broom at Oxshott. At first the males were in great pre-
ponderance, but later on the females were much the more numerous.—
Mr. Clark, photographs of the ova of Gastropacha quercifolia.—Mr.
Carpenter recorded the fact of the pairing in captivity of bred Pararge
egeria by Mr. Joy. They were enclosed in a band-box covered with
leno and exposed to the full sun.
September 24th.—The President in the chair.—Mr. South exhibited
(1), a short series of Aplecta nebulosa, bred from Delamere Forest
larvee, received from Mr. Thompson ; all were darker than the typical
form, but only two were var. robsoni ; (2), a series of Cabera pusaria,
reared from larve obtained from Oxshott, Wisley, and Epping; most
of the specimens resembled var. rotundaria in marking, but only a few
of them agreed with that form in the shape of the wings.—Mr.
Goulton, bred. series of Orgyia antiqua and E'mmelesia unifasciata.—
Mr. F. B. Carr, (1), a bred series of Malacosoma neustria, from New
Forest ova; all were brown in colour, half the males pale and half the
same shade as the females; (2), a larva of Cleora giabraria, taken in
the New Forest at Easter, and still feeding.—Mr. Boxer, a collection
of butterflies and moths from Durban.— Mr. West (Greenwich),
short series of three species of Hemiptera taken from broom at
Oxshott in September—Livilla ulicis, Dictyonota strichnocera, and the
rare D, fuliginosa.—Mr. Lucas read the report of the Horsley Field
296 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Meeting held on June 6th, and illustrated his remarks with lantern
slides.—Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Rep. Sec.
RECENT LITERATURE.
A Catalogue of the Coccide of the World. By Mrs. Marta HK. FErnaxp,
A.M. 8vo, pp.860. Amherst, Mass.: Carpenter & Morehouse.
1903. (Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachusetts Agricul-
tural College; Bulletin No. 88.)
Until comparatively recent years there were few students of this
important family of homopterous insects, and there has been no
general monograph of the Coccide since Signoret’s series of papers
on the family were concluded in the ‘ Annals’ of the Entomological
Society of France, about thirty years ago. During the last ten years
or so considerable attention has been given to Coccids. Professor
Cockerell, among others, has added very extensively to our knowledge
of the family, and has done much valuable work in clearing up many
of the intricate points in synonymy. A few books on the subject
have been produced, and of these we may mention Green’s ‘ Coccidse
of Ceylon’ (i., 1896, ii., 1899), and Newstead’s ‘Monograph of the
British Coccide,’ vol. i. of which was published by the Ray Society in
1901. Altogether a vast amount of literary matter has accumulated,
and awaits the monographist. In the meanwhile the excellent
Catalogue before us should prove a veritable boon to everyone in any
way interested in Coccid literature. Upwards of fifteen hundred
species are enumerated, the references are most comprehensive, and,
we should suppose, would enable one to get in touch with almost
everything that has been written on the subject from the year 1758
down to the end of February, 1903.
Mrs. Fernald has carried out a laborious and somewhat difficult
undertaking in an exceedingly able manner.
OBITUARY: CLAUDE A. PYETT.
The death is announced of a promising young entomologist, Mr.
Craupe A. Pyert, of Ipswich, whose name will be familiar to readers
of the ‘ Entomologist’ as the contributor of Notes on the Lepidoptera
of South-west Suffolk. Mr. Pyett, who was of colonial extraction,
chose the profession of a journalist, and in the brief intervals of
leisure which that somewhat exacting career affords devoted -his
attention to scientific and artistic pursuits. He possessed the rare
gift of taking careful and accurate notes of his observations, and was
always ready to place his knowledge of the insect-fauna of the Ipswich
district at the disposal of his fellow-workers. Mr. Pyett was no mean
artist, and many sketches from his pen have appeared as illustrations
to his articles and reports in the press of the Eastern Counties. It is
to be feared that he overtaxed a somewhat fragile frame during the
Newmarket election campaign of last year. An attack of typhoid fever
left him in a very weak condition, and he passed away at his home at
Ipswich on October 2nd, the actual cause of death being syncope.
a
—* vd
———
Entomologist, Plate V.
West, Newman lith.
Ceratophyllus dalei fovns.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST
Vou. XXXVI.1 DFCEMBER, 1908. [No. 487.
A NEW BRITISH FLEA, CHRAT' l’’HYLLUS DALETI, sp. nov.
By Tue Hon. N. Cuarues lioruscuizp, M.A., F.L.S.
Prats V.
In our article, ‘“‘ Types of Siphonaptera in the Daleian Collec-
tion,”* we pointed out that Mr. C. W. Dale possessed a single
male specimen of a flea taken from the nest of a wood-pigeon
(Columba palumbus) which, in our opinion, represented a very
distinct new species.
Mr. Dale, however, considers the insect in question to be
identical with Ceratophyllus columbe (Walcken. & Gerv.) +t We
do not agree with Mr. Dale, and take this opportunity of describ-
ing the species and naming it in his honour.
This insect is allied to C. galling and C. fringille. It is,
however, much paler in colour even than the latter-named
species. The more strongly chitinised portions of the exo-
skeleton and those parts which cover each other are more or less
pale yellow in colour in the mounted specimen. The abdominal
tergites are brownish above, the prothoracic comb being deep
brown. The head is very similar to that of C. fringille, being
somewhat longer in proportion and a little more evenly rounded.
The pronotal comb consists of twenty-seven teeth. The epi-
merum of the metathorax bears six fine hairs, one at the apex,
three arranged in a row from the stigma downwards, and two
more near the base. The legs are markedly different from those
of C. fringille, the spines on the back of the tibiz and fifth
tarsal segments being much stouter.
The eighth tergite (fig. 1) of the abdomen is modified in a
special way. Its distal edge is almost vertical, being slightly
sinuate. ‘The tergite, moreover, is produced upwards, and is
* Ent. Mo. Mag. (Ser. 2), vol. xiv. p. 146 (1903).
naeialoker & Gery. Hist. Nat. Ins., Apteres iii. p. 375 (1844),
ENTOM.—DECEMBER, 1905. 2 B:
298 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
strongly rounded. The long bristles at the edge of the segment
are very numerous, some nineteen being situated close together,
the most ventral hair only being separated from the next by a
larger interspace. The eighth sternite (fig. 8) bears, close to the
apex, three long bristles on each side, besides one ventral bristle
which stands close to the others, and which is a little shorter
and thinner than the rest. On the lateral surface of the eighth
sternite there is a row of extremely small hairs, the hair nearest
the apical bristles being the longest. The sternite ends apically
in a large hairy membranous flap. This flap is very different
from those found in C. galling and C. fringille, but its exact out-
line cannot, unfortunately, be made out from the slide. There
is only one long bristle near the insertion of the movable finger
(fig. 2, r.). The finger (fig. 2, Fr.) is somewhat similar in shape
to that of C. galline, it is completely rounded at the apex, and
differs conspicuously from the allied species in the size and
arrangement of the bristles. There is one bristle at its apex,
being about as long as the finger is wide in the middle. Close
beneath it there is a short pointed spine followed by a spine-like
bristle which is about half the length of the long apical one. A
similar bristle is placed further down. Length 2°7 mm.
The type and only known specimen of this new species was
taken by Mr. C. W. Dale, at Glanvilles Wootton, Dorsetshire,
from the nest of a wood-pigeon, some years since.
PROBABLE ORIGIN OF CORNISH PLUSIA NI.
By H. Guarp Knaces, M.D., F.L.S.
In the November number of the ‘ Entomologist,’ p. 277, an
editorial note occurs to the effect that ‘‘ Plusia brassice, Riley, is
rather larger in size and browner in colour than P. ni, and that
it would be interesting to know to which form the Penzance speci-
mens are referable, as this might afford a clue to their origin.”
Let me first call attention to papers in ‘The Entomologist’s
Annual’ for 1868, pp. 67-8, and note, p. 96, and for 1869, pp. 68
and 69, and note, p. 82, wherein my old friend the late Frederick
Smith, of hymenopterous fame, gives an account of a wasp of the
genus Polistes which was caught by a lady at Penzance in the
summer of 1866, and again in 1867. Three specimens were taken
and several others were seen at the same time, and my friend
remarked upon the close resemblance to Polistes biguttatus—a
South American insect—and suggested the possibility of its
being an imported species.
Mr. Smith says that his correspondent undertook to make
every enquiry as to what vessels had entered the harbour from
America. In July last he received the following information :—
eS
PROBABLE ORIGIN OF CORNISH PLUSIA NI. 299
** After trying in vain to obtain any intelligence of shrubs or
unsawn wood being imported from South America, a remark of
my sister’s turned my thoughts in another direction. She told
me that the common wasp was often very troublesome to butchers
by its taste for raw meat. Now there is a regular trade between
Penzance and South America in raw hides, and it occurred to
me as possible that the South American wasps might have
settled on the hides, and so have got wrapped up and entangled
in them. It was also ascertained that the ship conveying the
hides arrived at Penzance on the 25th of July, 1866, and the
Polistes was captured about 15th August. In 1867 the same ship
entered the port of Penzance on 31st of July, and the Polistes
was again taken during the first week of August.”’ The captain
of the vessel, when interrogated about the wasp, said they ‘‘ no
doubt came from his ship, as he had seen hundreds about it
when sailing down one of the branches of the La Plata.”
‘The explanation,” Mr. Smith thought, ‘‘fully accounted for
the capture of the Polistes, and at the same time suggested a way
by which many carrion beetles may be conveyed to this country
in a way that might not occur to entomologists who pick up such
insects in the neighbourhood of Penzance, as well as near ports
in other parts of the country.’’ He also mentions that Mr.
Douglas captured the same species of Polistes at St. Katharine’s
Docks, and Mr. Nicholas Cooke took another in the office of a
wool warehouse at Liverpool.
My own opinion isthat P. ni (brassice, Riley) came over with
Polistes ; itis common in Brazil and other parts of South America,
and it is this insect which is becoming such a nuisance in the
States: the conditions were there for making the voyage. We
know that moths and caterpillars do find their way on board vessels,
and cocoons may be made up in wool or hair. No captures of P.
ni were made till after the arrival of the vessel with Polistes. P. nt
is a rare continental species, and is almost unknown in the north
of Kurope. An immigrant from South Europe would be most un-
likely to land at the far west. All the specimens here have been
taken either at the west or straggling away from it—Cornwall,
Devon, Dorset, and Portland, but the metropolis is at Penzance.
Miss Carne’s specimen was caught in May, and showed that
the species was double-brooded, and had been bred in the country;
and Mrs. Richardson’s as well as the more recent Penzance
experience prove that the species breeds freely enough in this
country. So that, if my surmise is correct, this Plusia has been
an inhabitant of Penzance for nearly forty years.
In fact, I am persuaded that the North American, the British,
and in all probability the European ni too, only from an earlier
period, all hail from “the country where the nuts come from,”’
or thereabouts.
Folkestone: Nov. 1903.
282
300 THE EN'TOMOLOGIST.
ON A NEW VARIETY OF PAPILIO MIKADO, Lexcu.
By A. E. Wiveman, F.E.S.
PAPILIO MIKADO Var. ALBIDUS, NOV.
Differs from the type in having a creamy white ground colour,
and most of the typical black eliminated. On the under side
the black is confined almost entirely to the margins of the wings.
This variety of P. mikado was found in the province of Higo,
island of Kyushu, at the end of May, 1898. It would seem to
be very scarce, as only six specimens were taken, although the
typical form is not uncommon in the localities where they were
captured.
LIFE-HISTORY OF ARGYNNIS LATHONIA.
By F. W. Frouaws, M.B.O.U., F.E.S.
ALTHOUGH a common continental species, there appears to
be no satisfactory description published of the larva or pupa
either in this country or abroad, and as regards English authors,
they have copied Freyer, Godart, and Sepp. ‘The descriptions
given by these three writers all vary, and not one is correct ;
therefore the following descriptions may perhaps be of general
interest, as I have this autumn succeeded in working out all the
stages of this butterfly—A. lathonia.
Firstly, I must mention that it is through the kindness of
Mr. W. G. Sheldon that I have been enabled to do so, as he
LIFE-HISTORY OF ARGYNNIS LATHONIA. 301
kindly sent me the only female specimen he obtained during his
visit to Switzerland last summer. This he captured at Zermatt
on Aug. 2nd, and at once despatched it to me, arriving on Aug.
6th. When I opened the small box containing it, I found it in a
very feeble state, and one leg missing, and I must say I had very
slight hope of obtaining eggs from this female, especially as she
had but three legs, as I have generally found a difficulty in in-
ducing butterflies to deposit if they have sustained injury to
their legs. However, ‘“‘ where there is life there is hope.” I
immediately set to work to restore her by feeding her with sugar
and water, and while she was feasting for about fifteen minutes
I potted up a plant of wild heartsease (Viola tricolor) for her
reception. Upon this I put her as soon as she had finished
drinking, and placed it in the sun, when gradually she revived,
but owing to the day turning dull no eggs were laid; but the
following morning was bright and sunny, so I carefully watched
her movements, and saw the first egg laid at 9 a.m., and by
10 a.m. she had produced about three dozen, and during the day
about one hundred were deposited; these were laid singly, and
mostly on the plant, but many on the gauze covering as well. I
fed her again each succeeding morning, but no more eggs were
deposited, and she died on the seventh day.
The egg is 34, in. high, of a rather straight-sided conical form,
widest at the base, where it is smooth and rounded off at the
edge. There are about forty longitudinal keels, irregularly formed
and of different lengths, some not reaching half-way up the side,
and others running the entire length from base to crown, where
they terminate abruptly, and form a series of triangular peaks
round the summit surrounding the granulated micropyle; the
spaces between the keels are finely ribbed transversely. When
first laid it is of a very pale lemon-yellow colour, inclining to
ochreous, appearing almost white in certain lights; the colour
gradually deepens, becoming yellower with a greenish tinge. On
the fifth day the crown of the egg assumes a dull grey, finally
changing to a lilac-grey. All the ova hatched on Aug. 14th,
remaining in the egg-state seven days.
Directly after emergence the larva measures 7; in. long. The
body is cylindrical, and the segmental divisions are deeply de-
fined, each segment swelling in the middle. There are ten longi-
tudinal rows of shining olive-coloured irregularly-shaped warts,
five on each side, i. e. three above the spiracle and two below ;
the first dorsal and last lateral ones are bilobed; each of the
lobes and the other warts bears a long serrated bristle; the
longest and most curved are those on the dorsal surface ; all
curving forwards, the smallest being the anterior one of the
dorsal pair. All these bristles are shining black, with whitish
transparent tips. The head is shining black, and beset with
similar but shorter bristles ; the entire body is densely sprinkled
|
302 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
with very minute black points, adding depth to the pale olive-
yellow ground colour ; the claspers are of the same colour, and
bear a pair of simple white spines; the legs are dusky.
Shortly before first moult it measures # in. long, the ground
colour is creamy white, the sides and ventral surface are mottled
and chequered with pale ochreous brown, the cream colour
forming longitudinal dorsal and spiracular stripes; the surface
is particularly glossy.
First moult occurred on Aug. 20th.
Before second moult it measures #in. long. The shining
surface of the body is covered with minute black points; each
segment from the fourth to eleventh inclusive has six prominent
tubercles, each set with a number of serrated bristles ; these
form longitudinal rows, the first being subdorsal, the others
super and subspiracular ; along the lateral edge and base of the
claspers is another row of much smaller tubercles; the first seg-
ment has eight, the second and third segments have each ten,
and the twelfth has four tubercles; all are black and bear
bristles ; numerous black hairs are scattered over the surface,
each having a black shining base; the head, black and shining,
is also beset with black bristles; there is a dorsal cluster of
similar bristles in the centre of both the first and last segments.
The ground colour is a pale lilac-grey, with a fine medio-dorsal
stripe and an ochreous spiracular band; the subdorsal surface
is chequered with blackish ; the legs are shining black.
At the least disturbance they fall from the food-plant and
remain rolled up in a ring for about two minutes.
On Aug. 22nd I counted ninety-two larve in different stages,
but the majority in the second stage.
Second moult on Aug. 24th.
Before third moult it measures 4 in. long, being very similar
to the previous stage, except the colouring is more pronounced,
and the tubercles are developed into short spines, but bearing
bristles as before. They are very active in their movements,
running rapidly, and feed voraciously.
Third moult, Aug. 29th.
On Aug. 30th I placed seventy-three larve on dog-violet
(Viola canina), but all refused to eat it, so transferred them to
V. tricolor, when they immediately commenced feeding.
Before fourth moult it is 7% in. long while extended crawling.
The ground colour is chiefly black, with a broken double greyish
white medio-dorsal line, and sprinkled all over with minute black
hairs, each encircled with whitish at the base ; a creamy white
lateral line, on which are situated the subspiracular ochreous
spines, each having a swollen bulbous deep amber base; the
dorsal spines are almost black, having only the tips dull
ochreous, and a smaller amount of dull amber colour on the
base; the spines on the first three segments are more amber
LIFE-HISTORY OF ARGYNNIS LATHONIA. 3038
coloured than the others on the dorsal surface, resembling the
super and subspiracular ones on the rest of the segments; all
the spines are bristle-bearing ; the claspers are ochreous; the
legs and ventral surface, as well as the head, are black, but the
latter is chequered with amber colour.
A large number of the larve moulted the fourth and last time
on Sept. 1st. When fully grown it measures 13 in. while crawl-
ing ; the body is slightly tapered, mostly so at the anterior end ;
each segment has two transverse wrinkles on the posterior half,
the anterior half is of one plain surface; the six rows of spines
are moderately long, stout at the base, and sharply pointed ; all
bear a number of shining black bristles; the subdorsal series
are olive-brown, with ochreous brown bases; the super-
spiracular series are paler brown, with amber bases, while those
of the subspiracular row are wholly amber-brown, palest at the
tips. The ground colour is velvety black, the spiracles are
black encircled with whitish, the double medio-dorsal line is
composed of two longitudinal white streaks on the anterior part
of each segment, these being followed posteriorly by a double
row of white warts emitting black bristles; from the base of each
dorsal spine is a cream-coloured streak, and two similar streaks
from the super-spiracular spines; these run over the anterior
portion only of each segment from the spine to the segmental
division ; the subspiracular spine is situated on a buff and cream
band, which, however, is clouded in the centre with dark olive ;
the ventral surface, like the dorsal, is black and velvety; the
entire body is rather densely sprinkled with pure white minute
warts, each emitting a black bristle ; the legs black ; the claspers
dull amber-brown; the head amber on the upper half, the
remainder being black, and is beset with bristles like.the body.
When preparing to pupate the larva spins a considerable
quantity of silk over part of the plant selected, and an ample
pad of silk to grasp with the anal claspers. After hanging for
about thirty hours it pupates.
During the last few days of the larval state they feed most
voraciously on the bloom and leaves of both the wild and culti-
vated pansy, but not on either dog- or sweet-violet. I noticed
they appeared to avoid the strong sunshine by sheltering on the
under side of the leaves, and often selecting the most shady part
of the plant to rest upon; but yet they enjoyed warmth, be-
coming very active and feeding rapidly on the brightest and
warmest days.
The pupa measures from 3? in. to 4 in. in length, the largest
producing females. In structure and general formation it most
closely resembles the pupa of A. selene. Lateral view: head
rounded ; thorax rounded and swollen, sloping off to the meta-
thorax and waist; it then gradually increases in size to the
third abdominal segment, from which the abdomen decreases
304 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
and curves abruptly at the sixth and seventh ‘segments, termi-
nating in a well-developed cremaster; the abdomen is fairly
straight along the ventral surface; near the apex the wing is
swollen, and then runs in an almost straight line to the head.
Dorsal view: the head is square, the thorax projecting and
angular, indented at the waist and swollen across the third
abdominal segment, then gradually tapering to a point. Colour:
the head, thorax, and wings shining olive-brown; the abdomen
chequered and speckled with olive-brown, ochreous, black and
white; spiracles large, black, and conspicuous; on the third and
fourth segments is a clouded pearly-white blotch, which spreads
in the form of a large blotch over the centre of the hind margin
of the wing. There are seven longitudinal rows of short, blunt,
deep amber-coloured tubercles or points on the abdomen, the
subspiracular series being very small; those forming the sub-
dorsal rows are the largest ; the medio-dorsal and super-spiracular
ones are about equal in size; all these are surrounded at the base
by whitish ; the subdorsal points on the prothorax, mesothorax,
metathorax, and first two abdominal segments are placed on
brilliant burnished silver-gilt disks, the largest being on the
metathorax ; the inner margin wing-ridge is pearly whitish, the
head and eye speckled with dull white; the surface is shining
and covered with minute granulations, and when viewed under
the microscope exactly resembles the skin of a toad, especially
the wing-surface. The thoracic dorsal surface and abdomen are
sprinkled with minute club-tipped bristles.
The first two butterflies (both females) emerged on Sept.
25th, followed by others on the three following days, but only ten
out of ninety pups emerged, these being three males and seven
females. Eighty of the pup died, although these were all fine
as regards size, and apparently quite healthy at first. There is
no doubt that the late autumn English climate is quite unsuited
for the existence of this species, as well as it is for both Colias
edusa and C. hyale, Pieris daplidice and Vanessa antiopa, apparently
none of these being able to establish themselves in this country.
November, 1903.
LEPIDOPTERA REARED FROM OVA OR LARVA DURING
THE PAST SEASON.
By F. A. Oupaxer, M.A.
Broapiy speaking, the year 1903 has been in my experience
a disastrous one for larve. Quite eighty per cent. of those
which have passed through my hands have died, and I cannot
assign as a cause any neglect or want of precaution on my part.
Food has been kept fresh, and breeding-cages have been kept
clean, but the methods which in former years have succeeded
LEPIDOPTERA REARED FROM OVA OR LARVA. 305
admirably in most cases have failed lamentably this year.
Whole broods—notably about fifty larvee each of Pacilocampa
popult, Hoporina croceago, and Asteroscopus sphina—fed up,
apparently quite healthily and normally, until after their last
change of skin, and then died off one by one, without a single
specimen reaching the pupa.
To have been successful to any extent with only eighteen
species out of a total of sixty-one, is scarcely a good record for
the year, but some of the successes have gone far to make up
for the failures.. Six young larve of Apatura iris were sent me
from Brockenhurst on May 12th; one died on the journey, and
a second refused the sallow I offered it, but the other four fed up
rapidly and successfully, and produced imagines—two fair-sized
males on June 30th and July Ist, and two fine females on
July 4th and 6th. They had pupated respectively on June 8th,
10th, 18th, and 28rd.
I experienced a fair amount of success with the larve of
Zephyrus betule, but a good number died during the pupa stage ;
and I reared several specimens of Zephyrus quercus from larvee
beaten on Ranmore, but in this case also a great number died as
pup, and some too before pupation. The larve of Nemeobius
lucina died off in great numbers after the last moult, and about
forty young larve of Lycena astrarche, produced from ova
deposited in a pill-box during the walk home from Ranmore,
died off before their first moult.
Among the Sphinges I had a fair amount of success with
Sphinx ligustri, Cherocampa elpenor, and Smerinthus ocellatus,
but considerably less than in former years ; and one day I found
a larva in the bark of an old apple tree, which produced a very
fine female Sesia myopiformis on July 2nd; I am led to hope
that I may find a number of these larve in the same tree next
year. Nola cucullatella is one of my complete failures, but
Euchelia jacobee was, 1f possible, more abundant this year than
usual. At Dorking the larve had all gone down by the end of
July, but at Bognor I noticed a lot still quite small at the
beginning of September. I bred some Arctia caia in the hope of
getting some varieties; but, though no two are exactly alike,
there is no striking divergence. Porthesia similis I hope I have
now bred for the last time, for the inconvenience caused by the urti-
cating hairs was very great. It appears to me that one gets stung
much more readily from the cocoon than from the larva. I was
very fortunate with Limantria monacha, for, although I only got
about half-a-dozen through, out of some thirty larve, I obtained
a light and dark specimen of both male and female, the darkest
male being especially fine. My disasters with Pecilocampa populi
I have mentioned above, and a brood of Malacosoma neustria
behaved in a similar manner. Out of fifteen larve of Gastropacha
quercifolia, kindly sent me by Mr. J. H. Carpenter, of Leather-
306 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
head, I bred thirteen fine specimens, the females especially being
exceptionally large. The other two emerged from the pupe, but
were deformed. Total failures have to be recorded with Drepana
cultraria and Pheosia dictea, the larve in each case dying off
when quite small. A number of larve of Mamestra persicarie
were found at night feeding on geraniums in the garden, and
these have gone down to pupate, successfully so far as I know.
Fourteen nearly full-fed larve of T’riphena ianthina were sent me
from Galashiels, and everyone of these produced an imago. There
is very little variation among them, though two or three are
more clearly suffused with red than the others. About a dozen
larve of Triphena fimbria from Sussex produced a most interest-
ing series of insects. One is the mahogany brown variety, two
are very light, one is very dark green, and there are several
intermediates, one of which is a beautiful grey-green. Hoporina
croceago, Xanthia aurago, and Cosmia paleacea were total failures,
as well as a small brood of Polia chi from ova laid by a var.
olivacea. Calocampa solidaginis larve emerged from ova, but
refused to eat, and Asteroscopus sphina, after having caused an
infinite amount of trouble in getting apple-buds, before the
leaves were ready, and after thriving well right up to the last,
suddenly ceased feeding and died. Six pupe of Plusia moneta
were sent me from the neighbourhood of Crawley, and four of
these emerged. It was interesting to observe the method by
which the imago clings to a twig, lying backwards with its long
front legs outstretched. [See pl. iil. fig. 3, Entom. No. 483.]
Plusia chrysitis was another total failure, but I got through five
specimens out of about fifteen larvee of Hpione apiciaria. They
are rather small, but I had failed entirely with this species last
year, as I had also with Hnnomos erosaria, which latter failure
has been repeated this season. Some fine imagines of Angerona
prunaria came through, but all the females were of the light
yellow type.
The above-named are all of which I reared, or attempted to
rear, any numbers, all my other records being of single speci-
mens obtained by means of the beating-stick, or by searching,
&c. They include examples of Vanessa urtice, Zygena filipendule,
Cossus ligniperda, Dasychira pudibunda, Orgyia antiqua, Odonestis
potatoria, Dicranura vinula, Pheosia dicteoides (of which I took
a female off a lamp-post on May 31st; she deposited over one
hundred ova, and the imagines were bred through by Mr.
L. W. Newman, of Bexley. Several imagines appeared between
August 25th and 28th, but some are standing over till next year),
Thyatira derasa, Acronycta aceris, Agrotis puta, Agriopis aprilina,
Hadena pisi, Metrocampa margaritaria, Phigalia pedaria, Biston
strataria, and Geometra papilionaria.
Parsonage House, Dorking: Oct. 26th, 1903.
307
A LIST OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE ISLAND OF
CAPRI; WITH A FEW NOTKES.
By C. Seymour Browne.
(Concluded from p. 286.)
Tue list which I am making from my collection is, I am afraid,
more imperfect than I had previously supposed. My study of
the Lepidoptera of Capri was only commenced last summer, so I
have not yet had sufficient time to exhaust the resources of the
island. I think, however, that the list of Rhopalocera will be
found to be nearly complete, though I cannot say the same of the
Heterocera, the specimens obtained having been mostly found in
the daytime, or taken with an acetylene lamp at night, and again
I have a considerable number of specimens that I cannot name.
Many of my specimens would probably be classified as varieties,
such as those contained in my series of Hphyra pupillaria, but, as
I am not quite certain, I prefer to err on the right side, and leave
them out for the present. Having had the opportunity of ex-
amining some collections in Naples, I am certain that many more
species must exist than I have been able to find.
Capri has the credit of containing a variety of Deilephila
livornica, Esp., not to be found elsewhere; also many of the
Sorrentine varieties should be found here.
The Micro-Lepidoptera are rather beyond the lhmits of my
time and patience, but I give a list of those that I have been
able to find and identify.
I need hardly say that, should any reader visit this island, I
should be only too pleased for him to see my collection.
Lymantria dispar is remarkable for the way in which it resists
the poison of the cyanide-bottle, and I have not found it safe to
set until it has been at least two hours in the bottle.
I have never taken the female of Arctia villica at light, but
the males have appeared in large numbers, and, although plenty
of the females have been found in the daytime, I have rarely
seen a male.
LyMANTRIIDA.
944. Ocneria rubea, F. (One specimen, early summer, 1903.) I
have not seen this in any Naples collection.
Noctuip.
1197. Agrotis xanthographa, F.
1454a. Mamestra brassicae var. andalusica, Staud.
1628. Celana matura Hufn. (One specimen, September, 1903.)
1765. Aporophyla nigra Haw.
2566. Plusia accentifera Lef. (Two specimens, early summer); but
fairly common on the mainland.
The above six species were omitted from previous list.
308 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
GEOMETRIDAE.
2860. Pseudoterpna pruinata, Hufn. Scarce.
2885. Huchloris smaragdaria, Fabr. Very common in summer, the
females coming on later than the males, of much larger size; I have
one measuring 45 mm.
2897. Eucrestes indigenata, Vill. Common, occuring early summer,
and again in autumn, the later brood being much smaller.
2907. Nemoria pulmentaria, Gn. Common in summer.
2988. Acidalia rufaria, Hb, Can be turned out of the juniper
bushes in quantities in summer.
2988). A. virgularia var. australis, Staud.
3011. A. incarnaria, H. 5. Fairly scarce, late summer.
30382. A. filicata, Hb. Could be taken in hundreds at light.
30438. A. degeneraria, Hb. Common.
38064. A. marginepunctata, Goze. Rather a nuisance when working
with a lamp.
8066). A. luridata var. confinaria, H. 8. Scarce.
8093. A. imitaria, Hb. Common.
I have several species of Acidalia I cannot yet name.
3112. Hphyra pupillaria, Hb. Very common; shows great diversity
in markings.
3115. HE. punctaria, Linn. Two specimens, late summer, 1903.
3143. Sterrha sacraria, Linn. Common; much variety in colour
and marking, one specimen showing a very distinct spot on each fore
Wing inside the stripe, other specimens mostly a pale lemon yellow
with crimson stripe.
3340. Larentia salicata, Hb.
3344. L. fluctuata, Linn.
8399. L. nebulata, Tr.
3434. L. galiata, Hb.
3481. L. bilineata, Linn. All the Larentia mentioned are easy to
find. I have also several as yet unnamed.
3511. Tephroclystia oblongata, Thnbg.
3656. TJ. sobrinata, Hb.
3707. Stegania trimaculata, Vill. Scarce.
3730. Hnnomos erosaria, Hb.
3761. Opisthograptis luteolata, Linn. Only one specimen, 1903.
3826. Biston strataria, Hufn. A few specimens in spring.
3843. Hemerophila japygiaria, Costa. Scarce, but occurring all
through the summer.
3843. H. abruptaria, Thnbg. About same as japygiaria. I have
two female specimens with wavy shell-like markings on the hind
wings.
3876. Boarmia gemmaria, Brahm.
3901. B. selenaria, Hb.
3948. Gnophos variegata, Dup.
4077. Aspilates ochrearia, Rossi. Common amongst the juniper.
CyMBID®.
41386. Harias clorana, Linn.
4142. Hylophila bicolorana, Fuessl.
LEPIDOPTERA OF THE ISLAND OF CAPRI. 309
SynTomMIpDz.
4146. Syntomis phegea, Linn. One specimen, 1902. :
4156. Dysantes punctata. Scarce, early summer; one specimen
October 20th, 1903.
4168.
ARCTIDA.
Phragmatobia fuliginosa, Linn. The redness of the hind
wings is much stronger than in English specimens that I have seen.
4208.
4238.
4248,
4251.
1902.
4302.
4348.
Arctia villica, Linn.
Euprepia pudica, Esp. Common September and October.
Jallimorpha quadripunctaria (hera), Poda.
Coscinia cribrum, Linn., var. candida, Cyr. One specimen,
Lithosia unita, Hb. Very common all the season.
ZYGENIDE,
Zygena trifolii, Esp. Will send later many additions to
this family.
4641
4718
15
85.
248.
510.
645.
663.
757.
766.
774,
808.
831.
834,
836.
903.
922.
930.
949.
984.
998.
1025
1089
1042.
1072.
1073.
1151
1218
1253
1406
Cossipz&.
Cossus cossus, Linn.
Zeuzera pyrina, Linn. Very common.
PYRALIDE.
Lamoria anella, Schiff.
Crambus pinellus, Linn,
Homeosoma nimbella, L.
Ktiella zinckenella, Tr.
Salebria semirubella, Se.
Nephopteryx rhenella, Th.
Tthodophea suavella, Th.
Myelois cribrella, Hb.
M. umbratella, Tr.
Endotricha flammealis, Schiff.
Aglossa cuprealis, Hb.
FAlypsopyaia costalis, Fabr.
Pyralis farinalis, Linn.
Cledeobia angustalis, Schiff.
Cataclysta lemnata, Linn.
Stenia bruquieralis, Dup.
Scoparia ambigualis, Tr.
Agrotera nemoralis, Se.
Glyphodes unionalis, Hb.
Evergestis extimalis, Sc.
Nomophila noctuella, Schiff.
Phiyctenodes palealis, Schiff. t
Antigastra catalaunalis, Dup.
Mecyna polygonalis, Hb.
Pionea ferrugalis, Hb.
Pyrausta nubilalis, Hb.
P, aurata, Se.
Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla, Hw.
310 THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF THE FAMILY
LEMONIDA.
By Emiy Mary SuHarpr.
ABISARA HUNTEI, 0. sp.
Allied to A. wallacei, Hewits., but differs from that species in
having a large white patch on the anal angle of the hindwing.
Forewing. Ground colour brownish black, relieved on the apical
area by three medium-sized white spots, situated between the snb-
costal and radial nervules.
Hindwing. General colour brownish black, a large white patch on
the anal angle extending along the hind margin to as far as the radial
nervule; the nervules terminating in brownish black spots on the
white area.
Underside. Ground colour duller brown than in dA. wallacei, but
with the greyish white lines visible on the forewing. The hindwing
similar to that of the forewing in colour; the usual submarginal row
of black spots is in this species represented by only three spots, ex-
tending from the apex to the third median nervule, the last of these
three spots being plainly conspicuous on the midst of the white patch.
The orange band only indicated between the radial nervule and the
first subcostal nervule. All the nervules terminate in the hind margin
in black spots. Abdomen orange-yellow as well as the legs and palpi.
Expanse, 2 inches. ¢.
British New Guinea.
In the collection of Sir George Rutheven Le Hunte.
Lyndhurst, 4, Barrowgate Road, Chiswick.
CURRENT NOTES.—No. 2.
By G. W. Kirxavpy.
(Concluded from p. 287.)
A. L. Montanpon (5) has given us another of his valuable
essays on aquatic Rhynchota. The genus Nepoidea is confirmed
as identical with Curicta, Stal, and to these is added Helon-
tenthes, Berg ;* Cercotmetus is discussed and defined ; while the
Abedus-Deinostoma group is reconsidered, Montandon confirming
his original opinion that Abedus, Serphus, Stenoscytus, Pedino-
coris, and Detnostoma are one genus only, though he makes the
concession of three subgenera. Much abstruse synonymy in the
Belostoma-Zaitha groups is elucidated, but in one point I regret I
cannot follow my friend Montandon. I cannot agree to the
* Von Ferrari and Montandon refer to this as ‘‘ Helotentes,’’ and other
authors as ‘‘ Helotewtes,” but Berg’s spelling is ‘‘ Helotenthes.”
CURRENT NOTES. 311
effacement of the genus Diplonychus in favour of Spherodema.
Laporte founded the genus Diplonychus, with two subgenera,
Diplonychus and Spherodema. Subsequently, in the same essay,
he discovered that the type of the former belonged to the latter ;
consequently the subgenus Diplonychus falls ; but the subgenus
Spherodema is only a part (now actually the whole) of the genus
Diplonychus, which I think ought to stand.
H. J. Hansen (6) has published another of his valuable mono-
graphs on the orders of the Myriapoda, which, though not strictly
entomological in the usual restricted sense of the word, are indis-
pensable to anyone interested in the phylogeny of the Arthropoda.
The treatment of the descriptions and the illustrations are in
Dr. Hansen’s usual well-known style. 1 presume the date of
publication is May or June, 1903, but it is surprising that a
journal of the reputation of the ‘Quarterly’ has indicated the
date neither on any page nor on any plate, nor on the cover of
the separate copy before me.
Another part of the voluminous ‘‘ Species des Hymenopteéres
d’Kurope”’ has appeared (10a). In this J. J. Kieffer continues
the account of the Cynipide, the present fascicule comprising the
Zoophaga, the Allotrin, and Eucoiline being discussed, together
with a part of the Figitine. ‘The first named was termed
Aphidivore by Giraud, since its representatives live in the larval
state in the body of Aphid or Coccide. They are found so far
throughout the palearctic region, while a few species have been
discovered in North America. They doubtless occur also in
other regions. The Kucoiline (Huceline) are, so far as is
known, parasitic on the larve or puparia of Diptera, or of the
larve of Coleoptera. The Figitine also are parasitic on the
larve of Diptera, Coleoptera, and Neuroptera. ‘The treatment is
on an ample scale, consisting of systematic descriptions of all
stages so far as possible, analytical keys, and biological notes,
thus making the work of high interest not only to hymenopterists,
but also to rhynchotists and dipterists, and, in a less degree, to
specialists in other orders.
The first volume contained nearly 700 pages, with 27 plates ;
the second, so far as completed, nearly 300 pages, with 9 plates.
The work is published in Paris, at the Libraire Scientifique
A. Hermann.
Ki. P. Feur has published a thoroughly practical paper on
the literature of American Economic Entomology (7), read before
the last meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists.
Dr. Felt calculates that the enormous number of 12,168 articles
on economic entomology in America alone have been issued since
1860; this including newspaper articles, reports, bulletins, &c.,
and being probably below the total. He places great stress on
the educational value of newspaper articles carefully written by
competent men, not only as a counteraction to the uninformed
aL? THE ENTOMOLOGIST,
and frequently ridiculous attempts of the unscientific reporter,
but also because he believes that newspaper articles are more
generally read than the more detailed and less popular notices
in reports and bulletins. A brief and interesting historical
résumé of the history of economic literature in America concludes
with remarks on indexing and ideal schemes of publication.
The same author discusses (8) a number of injurious insects
introduced from abroad, the depredations of some of these
becoming more and more apparent and difficult to combat. Six
species affecting fruit trees, two affecting shade trees, and six
injuring cotton are noted as principal offenders, and many
others, either minor though still sufficiently noxious, or recently
introduced and probably destined to become destructive, are
noted. This paper will be specially interesting to European
entomologists, the species mentioned being often common though
little harmful in their continent.
Dr. Fexr has also (9) recently issued his fifth Report as
State Entomologist of New York. ‘This, again, is of special
interest to British entomologists, one of the pices de résistance
being a discussion of Huproctis chrysorrhea, the brown-tail moth,
which has recently become established in Massachusetts, Maine,
and New Hampshire. As every British lepidopterist knows, it
occurs over the whole palearctic region with but little exception.
It has not yet penetrated to New York State. ‘It is not often
that an insect is destructive to vegetation and also markedly
injurious to man, and yet this is true of the above-named species.
The hairs of the caterpillar of this species, coming in contact
with the human flesh, produce ‘a fierce and enduring irritation,’
as characterized by Mr. A. H. Kirkland: and so annoying and
prevalent was this that the board of health of the city of Boston
gave a public hearing on the subject in 1901.” The irritation is
stated to be mechanical, and not due to any poisonous irritant
substance in the hairs. Injurious as the depredations of Hu-
proctis are, however, the American birds and insect parasites.
have already proved very efficient in stemming the tide; a
number of birds are quoted as devouring the moths and cater-
pillars. Forbush recorded ‘‘the number of larve eaten by each
bird and the time occupied. None eat less than nine, and one
as many as fifty-seven caterpillars; the latter operation occupy-
ing twenty minutes.” A beautiful coloured plate by L. H. Joutel
shows the metamorphoses, &c., of H. chrysorrhea. Among
other figures are the work of Cryptorhynchus lapathi (Coleopt.) ;
Psilura monacha; Bucculatrix canadensisella (Lepid.) and its
work.
It is now more than time to notice Distant’s invaluable
‘*Rhynchotal Notes’ (10), which consist of a revision of the
Walkerian genera and species, with descriptions of numerous
novelties from the rich collections of the British Museum. and of
CURRENT NOTES. 3138
the author himself. The families contained in the first two
volumes of Lethiery and Severin’s Catalogue, and about two-
thirds of the third—in fact, the most recent—17th—part, com-
pleting the Reduviide down to the end of the Nabinze—are dealt
with. Walker fortunately described comparatively very few
Miride, and practically no Cryptocerata, so that, although the
museum collections are very rich in some of these forms, we
may hope to see very soon the completion of the Heteroptera,
and with the commencement of the Homoptera, in the Cicadide,
the author falls upon one of his favourite families.
Among other recent contributions to entomological literature,
which I can unfortunately notice very briefly, are :—
11. L. Zenntner: ‘“ Rapport over de mottenbestrijding of
de Onderneming Banaran, 1901-1902,” Proefstation voor Cacao
te Salatiga, no. 5, Niewe Gids iv. afl. 11 and 12, pp. 1-53, with
a graphic chart for twelve ensuing years; Apl. 1903. This
discusses fully the depredations of the lepidopteron Zaratha
cramerella, Snellen, on the cocoa plantations of Java.
12. N. Banxs: “An Index to Bulletins 1-80 (new series)
(1896-1901) of the Division of Entomology,” U.S. Dep. Agr.
Div. Entom. Bull. 36, n.s. (1902). The accuracy and usefulness
of these indexes are indisputable; a slight improvement would
have been the recapitulation on one p 
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